May 9, 2023 Riots: Pak Anti-Terrorism Court Rejects Imran Khan’s ‘Victimisation’ Allegations

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has recently dismissed allegations of “political victimisation” made by imprisoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan concerning the May 9, 2023 riots.

In a written verdict issued on his bail pleas, ATC Judge Khalid Arshad stated that “reasonable grounds” existed to link Imran Khan to the alleged offenses committed during the riots.

The court rejected pleas to extend the interim bails previously granted to Khan in three cases related to the May 9 violent protests. These riots erupted in various parts of the country following the former Prime Minister’s arrest in a corruption case. Both civil and military authorities charged Khan’s supporters under the Army Act after they attacked several state buildings, including military installations.

The verdict revealed that two witnesses testified about a meeting held at Khan’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore on May 7, 2023. The witnesses, along with 15 senior leaders of the PTI, attended this meeting. According to the verdict, Khan expressed fears of being arrested at the Islamabad High Court on May 9 and instructed PTI leaders to gather party workers under the leadership of Yasmin Rashid in the event of his arrest.

Imran Khan allegedly directed the party leaders to “attack military installations, government properties, and police officials to create pressure on the government and armed institutions for his release.” The court noted the need to recover alleged items used for recording video messages of instigation from the petitioner.

Additionally, the court dismissed claims of “political victimization” made by the PTI leader, stating that these claims were “not appealing to the prudent mind.”

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