ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court in Islamabad has rejected the plea for an extension of interim bail filed by incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in six cases related to the violent incidents that occurred on May 9. The arrest of Imran Khan, a former prime minister, in a corruption case earlier this year triggered widespread protests, resulting in violent clashes and attacks on defence and military installations across the country.
Judge Muhammad Sohail announced the verdict on Tuesday, stating that it would be more convenient for the former premier to participate in the investigation related to the cases rather than extending his bail. The six points were registered against Imran Khan in various police stations of the federal capital, including Karachi Company, Ramna, Kohsar, Tarnool, and Secretariat.
The judge cited a Supreme Court verdict as the basis for rejecting the extension of bail for Imran Khan. This decision comes amid various legal challenges and cases the Imran Khan faces.
Imran Khan was incarcerated at Attock Jail after a trial court in Islamabad sentenced him to three years and imposed a fine of Rs100,000. He was found guilty of concealing the proceeds of Toshakhana (state depository) gifts received from foreign dignitaries during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022.
In addition, last week, a local court cancelled the interim bail of PTI chief in a case related to the illegal transfer of 190 million pounds in the Al-Qadir Trust case. In the same issue, the interim bail of Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, was also disposed of.
Furthermore, on August 12, an Anti-Terrorism Court dismissed interim bails for PTI chief in seven cases, including the attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House. The special prosecutor, Farhad Ali Shah, argued that there was no legal basis to accept the exemption application of the convicted accused.
He has been embroiled in multiple legal cases since his removal from power via a joint opposition’s no-confidence motion in April of the previous year. These cases span various charges, including terrorism, corruption, and money laundering.
The rejection of Imran Khan’s plea for an extension of interim bail in the May 9 incidents cases signifies his ongoing legal battles and challenges. As the former prime minister’s legal troubles continue, his political future remains uncertain, and the outcomes of these cases will undoubtedly have significant implications for Pakistan’s political landscape.