May 9 riot cases: LHC adjourns proceedings of IK’s bail pleas

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday adjourned the proceedings of bail petitions filed by former prime minister Imran Khan in eight May 9 riot cases to June 23 after prosecutor concluded its arguments.

The prosecutor also submitted detailed records of co-accused individuals in the Corps Commander House attack and other related cases.

The court questioned the basis of treating Imran Khan differently from other accused who had already secured bail.

The prosecutor submitting the details of the cases said an accused Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood was granted pre-arrest bail in the Corps Commander House case on August 6, 2024, whereas Zain Qureshi’s bail was dismissed.

In the Askari Tower arson case, which includes murder charges, no accused has been granted bail so far, he told the court.

He, however, responding to a court query said that Imran Khan being the PTI chairman held a commanding position at the time of the riots.

He claimed that Imran Khan’s conduct has been based on a pattern of hide and seek from the beginning.

In response, Khan’s lawyer argued that individuals cannot be held responsible for others’ actions.

He maintained that the presence of PTI supporters at protest sites due to their admiration for Imran Khan does not constitute a crime under Pakistan’s Penal Code. He said the trial court will determine the actual facts.

The court directed both the sides to conclude their arguments on next hearing and rose for the day.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025