An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Pakistan's Lahore today extended PTI Chairman Imran Khan's bail in three cases linked to May 9 violence, including the vandalism of Jinnah House and Askari Tower.
At least eight people were killed and as many as 290 were injured on May 9 after the PTI chief was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The protesters had also stormed the residence of the corps commander in Lahore — also called Jinnah House — and tore down a gate of General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Subsequently, over 1,900 enraged protesters were rounded up in running battles with law enforcers across the country. Cases were also registered against Imran and his party workers.
On May 19, Judge Ijaz Ahmad Buttar granted bail to the former prime minister in the three cases till June 2, subject to furnishing surety bonds of Rs100,000 each.
At the outset of the hearing today, the judge directed Imran to come to the rostrum. "I was told the reasons why you are not joining the probe … but now you have to become a part of the investigation," he stressed.
For his part, Imran told the judge that there were threats to his life.
At that, PTI chief's lawyer Salman Safdar said that Imran was ready to join the probe but requested that all the cases should be fixed for hearing on the same day. "I will complete the arguments in all three cases," he assured the court.
Safdar further requested that all the cases be fixed for hearing on June 20, promising that Imran would join the probe the day court issued the order.
Subsequently, Judge Buttar allowed Imran to leave and extended his bail.
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