In a significant development related to the probe into the May 9 riots, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and other individuals implicated as suspects have been charged with “criminal conspiracy.” These charges have been added as additional allegations in the cases connected to the violence that erupted following the arrest of the deposed prime minister in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) UK settlement case on May 9. The announcement was made by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Anoosh Masood during a press conference in Lahore.
SSP Anoosh Masood revealed that nine additional sections related to treason have been incorporated into the cases’ challans (formal charges) concerning vandalism and violence that occurred on May 9. These charges, including “criminal conspiracy” under Section 120(B) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), have been brought against all suspects, including Imran Khan.
According to the investigating official, there is evidence suggesting the incitement of mutiny and deliberate planning of vandalism by the PTI chairman and others involved.
The May 9 riots were a result of widespread protests and violence that erupted across the country following Imran Khan’s arrest. The protests resulted in the unfortunate deaths of at least eight individuals and injuries to several others. This wave of violence led to the arrest of thousands of PTI workers and followers, including senior party leaders, for their alleged involvement in acts of violence and attacks on civil and military installations.
The rioters targeted various civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Attock jail, and several other individuals, including PTI leaders, have been facing various allegations in connection with the violence that ensued after Khan’s arrest on May 9.
To investigate Imran Khan’s alleged involvement in the violence, the police added charges of incitement to mutiny and an attempt to wage war, among other provisions, on August 18. Following this development, they sought permission from an anti-terrorism court to investigate the PTI chief.
The court, in response to the police’s request, issued an order permitting the investigation.
The inclusion of “criminal conspiracy” charges against Imran Khan and others in the May 9 riot cases marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings. These charges are in addition to several other sections and allegations related to incitement, violence, and attempts to wage war. As the legal process unfolds, it will be closely watched by both local and foreign observers, given its potential implications for the political landscape in Pakistan.