Anti-terrorism court in Lahore approved a 10-day physical remand of former prime minister Imran Khan in several May 9 cases.
Lahore(Tahir Chuhdary):May 9 Cases: ATC Approves 10-Day Physical Remand of Imran Khan, ATC Rules, The anti-terrorism court reserved its verdict on the request for physical remand of the PTI founder. During proceedings, the prosecutor stressed the remand for investigation of cases should be given. Physical remand cannot be given by video link attendance, PTI lawyer said, adding that physical remand cannot be granted without the accused’s appearance.
ATC Judge Khalid Arshad issued a four-page written verdict on Thursday after his court rejected interim bail pleas of the former prime minister in three cases related to the May 9 violent protests two days ago. The May 9 mayhem referred to the riots that broke out in many parts of the country last year following the ex-PM’s arrest in a corruption case.
The alleged PTI supporters attacked several state buildings including military installations, prompting the civil and military authorities to try the rioters under Army Act. The court has the power to make the presence of the accused on video link, the prosecutor argued, adding that Shah Mahmood Qureshi was also shown by video link, “I saw the accused and talked to him for five minutes. He looked perfectly fine,” the court maintained,
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As the court asked why the accused couldn’t be produced in court, the prosecutor cited security concerns as the reason. The PTI founder also informed the court about his stand and he refused to talk about the May 9 tragedy during his attendance, the ATC judge remarked, adding
He added: “I will make all of your statement and attorneys’ arguments part of the order. “I have heard your position, I will decide after hearing the arguments of the lawyers.“The physical remand through video link can be given per the court decision The PTI lawyer was of the view that it was not written in the law that court proceedings could be conducted through mobile,
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“It is written in the law that judicial action can be taken through available resources. “The government has provided the facility of video link to the court. “The court should use this video link facility.”
Earlier,
The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on Monday announced that it has gathered more than 130 pieces of evidence connecting the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan to the violent incidents that occurred on May 9.
According to JIT sources, the PTI founder’s involvement in incitement and violent acts has been firmly established.
The JIT claims that the unrest on May 9 was not spontaneous but rather planned ahead of the Imran Khan’s arrest. Evidence suggests that the founder played a significant role in organizing the protests, which turned violent.
During the investigation, the PTI founder reportedly acknowledged that supporters were mobilizing to protest in the Cantt area following his arrest.
Local leaders allegedly encouraged workers to take to the streets, escalating tensions and leading to the subsequent violent events.
The former prime minister was arrested by Lahore police in relation in a dozen cases, including the attack on the Jinnah House, which were brought against the PTI founder during the May 9 riots after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) obtained an eight-day remand of Khan in a new Toshakhana case.
The Police formally detained Khan at Adiala Jail, where he will be investigated for charges related to incitement against the state.
The police initially sought to transfer him to Lahore for further investigation, but the Rawalpindi court denied the request due to security concerns.
After the former prime minister was arrested by the Islamabad High Court on May 9, riots broke out. On Saturday, a 13-member team from the Lahore police’s investigative wing went to Adiala Jail to question him about the events.
Imran Khan is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore via video link on Monday, where the police are expected to request his remand for further investigation related to the Jinnah House incident.
In a separate case, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in connection with a new reference to the Toshakhana case.
They were granted an eight-day physical remand. The federal government has since issued a directive for their trial to be held at Adiala Jail.
