LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday resumed hearings on eight bail petitions filed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with the May 9 riots, summoning final arguments from both sides for June 23.
A two-member bench led by Justice Shehbaz Rizvi oversaw the session, during which the prosecution concluded its arguments. Officials presented detailed records of co-accused individuals involved in the Jinnah House and related cases.
The court raised concerns over the different treatment given to Imran Khan compared to others who have already been granted bail. The prosecutor explained that while Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood received pre-arrest bail in the Jinnah House case, Zain Qureshi’s plea was rejected. He further argued that Khan’s leadership role as PTI chairman at the time set him apart from the rest.
Additionally, the prosecutor stated that no bail has yet been granted to any accused in the Askari Tower arson case, which includes murder charges. He alleged that Imran Khan has consistently evaded legal proceedings and is also named in the FIR filed at Shadman police station.
However, Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, countered that a person cannot be held responsible for the actions of others. He insisted that the presence of PTI supporters at protest sites out of admiration for Khan does not amount to a criminal offense.
After hearing the arguments, the LHC adjourned the case and called for final statements from both sides on June 23.