Pakistan Court Acquits Ex-PM Imran Khan in Two May 9 Riots Cases

A District and Sessions Court in Pakistan acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on Thursday in two May 9 violence cases, according to reports.

Imran Khan’s counsel Mirza Asim Beg and Naeem Panjotha completed their arguments on the bail pleas.

The court acquitted the PTI founder in both cases on grounds of insufficient evidence. Judicial Magistrate Omar Shahab announced the verdict on two May 9 cases registered at Shahzad Town Police Station after hearing the bail pleas. The FIR was filed by an unauthorized person, charging the PTI founder under Section 109. However, the lawyer pointed out that no evidence was presented.

Plea for Acquittal

According to sources, Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, has filed a plea seeking acquittal in cases related to the May 9 violence. Imran Khan’s lawyer, Naeem Panjutha, appeared before the court and submitted the plea on his behalf.

Judicial Magistrate Sohaib Bilal inquired about the number of cases against Khan and whether the challan had been collected in these cases. Panjutha informed the court that Imran Khan’s sentence in the Toshakhana case has been suspended, while the sentences in the illegal marriage case and cypher case are still pending.

May 9 Riots: A Recap

On May 9, 2023, violent clashes erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Protests spread to both remote areas and major cities, with party workers expressing agitation over their chairman’s detention. Reports indicate that Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad called upon the armed forces to maintain law and order.

Additionally, during the protests by PTI workers, army installations, including the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, were targeted. It’s worth noting that the PTI founder was identified as the primary accused in all cases related to the May 9 riots.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, Other Courts, International