Imran Khan Acquitted in Two More May 9 Cases Due to Insufficient Evidence
Representing Imran Khan, PTI lawyers Mirza Asim Baig and Naeem Panjotha argued that the FIR was filed by an unauthorized individual.
ISLAMABAD, A district and sessions court acquitted PTI founder Imran Khan on Thursday in two additional cases related to the May 9 protests. Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir announced the reserved verdict, citing insufficient evidence as the basis for the acquittal of the former premier.
The two cases were registered at Shahzad Town police station following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises, an event that sparked nationwide protests and attacks on military installations.
Representing Imran Khan, PTI lawyers Mirza Asim Baig and Naeem Panjotha argued that the FIR was filed by an unauthorized individual. They further contended that Khan was accused under Section 109, yet no substantial evidence was provided.
The judicial magistrate’s verdict highlighted that the evidence on record was insufficient to support the allegations of incitement against the PTI founder. The court emphasized that proceeding with the case would be a misuse of judicial resources, as the prosecution’s narrative had become highly questionable.
Following the violent protests on May 9, 2023, nearly the entire PTI leadership faced various charges after Imran Khan’s arrest at the IHC in connection with a corruption case. However, the court reaffirmed that an accused cannot be deprived of their legal rights without substantial cause.
PTI leader demands revocation of license for lawyer involved in violence on Khawar Maneka
Senator Ali Zafar, a leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), called for the revocation of the license of a lawyer involved in the violence against Khawar Maneka.
Expressing condemnation for the violence on Khawar Maneka, Senator Ali Zafar emphasized the need to identify and hold accountable the assailant lawyer.
While talking in a local TV talk show, he clarified that the lawyer responsible for the attack on Khawar Maneka has no affiliation with PTI.
In the same program, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Chief Whip of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) in the National Assembly, voiced support for Ali Zafar’s demand.
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It is pertinent to mention that Khawar Maneka, the former husband of PTI founder’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, was targeted by PTI lawyers during his appearance in Islamabad court.
The incident occurred during a hearing related to a divorce case, where PTI lawyers allegedly subjected Khawar Maneka to violence, including physical assault.
Following the lawyer’s attack, other lawyers at the scene intervened and rescued Khawar Maneka, escorting him safely to the courtroom.
Even after entering the judge’s chamber, PTI lawyers continued to harass Khawar Maneka by throwing bottles at him.
The demand for the cancellation of the lawyer’s license comes amid growing concerns over violence and intimidation in legal proceedings, highlighting the need for accountability and justice.
