Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was acquitted in two cases related to the May 9 violence, as reported by Pakistan Talk Show.
The District and Sessions Court, presided over by Judicial Magistrate Omar Shahab, announced the verdicts for the cases registered at Shahzad Town Police Station, citing insufficient evidence.
During the hearing, Imran Khan’s lawyers, Mirza Asim Beg and Naeem Panjotha, argued that the FIR was lodged by an unauthorized person and that there was no substantive evidence to support the charges under Section 109 against Khan. The court subsequently acquitted him in both cases.
Previously, Imran Khan had filed a plea seeking acquittal in these cases. His counsel, Naeem Panjotha, argued for his release, noting that his sentences in the Tosha Khanna case were suspended, and other cases, including the illegal marriage and cipher cases, were still pending.
Background on May 9 Violence
The May 9 violence erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan.
Notably, army installations, including the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore, were attacked by PTI workers. Imran Khan was named the primary accused in all the May 9 riots cases.
Legal Proceedings
The court proceedings on Imran Khan’s bail pleas took place in the District and Sessions Court, where the magistrate scrutinized the charges and the evidence presented. Judicial Magistrate Sohaib Bilal earlier inquired about the number of cases against Khan and the status of the challans in these cases. The legal team defending Khan pointed out the lack of concrete evidence and procedural discrepancies, leading to his acquittal.
This acquittal represents a significant development in the legal battles facing Imran Khan and his party, as they continue to navigate multiple legal challenges stemming from the political unrest following his arrest.