Imran Khan’s bail was increased by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Friday in cases involving the May 9 violence, including the vandalism of Jinnah House and Askari Tower.
After the PTI chief was detained on May 9 by the National Accountability Bureau in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case, at least eight people were killed, up to 290 were hurt, and more than 1,900 enraged protesters were apprehended in ongoing clashes with law enforcement officers across the nation.
The protesters also ransacked Jinnah House, the corps commander’s residence in Lahore, and tore down the gate to General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
Subsequently, a number of cases were registered against Imran and his party workers involving the May 9 violence.
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, the 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.
Also read: ‘Protest outside GHQ is our right’, says Imran Khan
