May 9 cases: Interim bails of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi rejected

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has rejected the interim bail requests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi in connection with the May 9 vandalism cases.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif heard the May 9 vandalism cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the first lady on Monday at Adiala Jail.

During the hearing, Adiala Jail authorities also presented PTI founder Imran Khan before the court. 

The court directed that the investigation into the May 9 cases involving Bushra Bibi be completed within seven days.

 The judge emphasised that if an accused is involved in multiple cases, a thorough investigation is necessary.

It is pertinent to mention here that on August 7, Imran Khan, speaking to the media in a courtroom, announced that he would offer a conditional apology regarding the violent protests that occurred on May 9, provided that CCTV footage of the events is produced first.

Khan stated that the PTI faced significant hardships, including the imprisonment of 10,000 members, restrictions on contesting elections, and the party's ban.

He claimed, "We are victims of the May 9 tragedy, we want justice," and added that human rights violations had occurred, which were also communicated to the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

"I will sack and seek punishment for the PTI members if they were found involved [in the May 9 incidents]," he added.

Highlighting his ‘abduction by the Rangers’ and subsequent treatment of his lawyers, Khan demanded respect and an apology for his abduction.

He declared, "If even a single PTI worker appears in the CCTV footage, I will apologise," and vowed to expel any party member found guilty of involvement in the riots.

Imran Khan criticised the actions of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and the rigged elections that brought a party with 20 seats to power.

He emphasised the importance of protecting national institutions and noted that the ISPR's actions had alienated the public.

He urged for the inclusion of his name and those of Nawaz Sharif, Asif Zardari, and Shehbaz Sharif in the Exit Control List (ECL), warning of potential dire consequences for the country.

Reporter: Hashar Ahsan