ATC Holds Imran Khan Responsible for May 9 Violence in Written Verdict

LAHORE:  The Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has issued a written decision rejecting the bail plea of Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 violence.

Judge Manzoor Ali Gill, who delivered the verdict in the case related to the attack on Jinnah House, issued a 7-page written judgment.

The court’s written decision stated that Imran Khan, as the founder of PTI, is not an ordinary individual. His statements hold significant weight among his supporters and party workers.

The court pointed out that the party leadership, including Khan, could not dismiss the impact of his statements. The court declared that Imran Khan is guilty of inciting the violence.

According to the court, the police reported that on the same day, numerous incidents of arson and violence occurred. Protesters specifically targeted military installations, government buildings, and police personnel, while no private properties were harmed.

The written decision also referred to the prosecution’s claim that the conspiracy for the violence was planned from Imran Khan’s residence in Zaman Park.

The special prosecutor argued that valuable items were destroyed in the fire at Jinnah House. The prosecution further stated that 50 individuals were arrested at the scene, with petrol bombs and sticks recovered from them, while others managed to escape.

The court concluded that there was no valid reason to grant bail to Imran Khan. Therefore, the court rejected his bail application.

It is worth noting that on November 27, the ATC had already rejected Khan’s bail applications in this case, with Judge Manzoor Ali Gill delivering decisions in eight different cases, including the one involving the Jinnah House attack.