In a recent development, the Lahore High Court has upheld the interim pre-arrest bail of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with a criminal case related to an alleged attack on a police team outside his Zaman Park residence. Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq, presiding over the case, directed Imran Khan to provide bail bonds worth Rs500,000 to secure his release.
Represented by Barrister Salman Safdar, Imran Khan denied all charges against him, asserting that he played no part in the purported assault on the police team. Safdar emphasized that the trial court had previously granted pre-arrest bail to Khan based on merit, which was later revoked due to his non-appearance following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. The defense urged the court to uphold Khan’s bail.
Justice Rafiq noted that even an accused in custody has the right to seek bail without being physically present in court. However, Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail petitions in three other cases stemming from the May 9 riots remain pending before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC). These cases involve attacks on the Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and Shadman police station.
It’s worth mentioning that on March 1 last year, the ATC confirmed Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail in four separate cases, including the murder of Zille Shah, an attack on police outside Zaman Park, and the torching of offices belonging to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Model Town, as well as a container at Kalma Chowk during the May 9, 2023, unrest.
The legal proceedings surrounding Imran Khan continue to draw significant attention, as the former prime minister navigates various legal challenges amidst a backdrop of political turbulence.