Court grants police custody of Imran Khan for 10 days in May 9 riot cases

An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has granted police a 10-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreeek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in connection with 12 cases stemming from the May 9 riots, Dawn reported.

The unrest erupted nationwide last year after Imran Khan was detained by paramilitary Rangers from the Islamabad High Court during a corruption case proceeding.

During the protests, widespread rioting and vandalism were reported across various locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander's residence and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, as captured in social media footage.

Lahore police's investigation wing, comprising a 13-member team, visited Adiala Jail on Saturday to question Imran Khan regarding the violence. However, the PTI leader declined to meet with the team, which sought to interrogate him on charges related to inciting public unrest against the state, as reported by Dawn.

According to Lahore Investigation DIG Zeeshan Asghar, Imran Khan was arrested as the primary suspect in 12 cases registered at different police stations in Lahore. The charges against him range from provoking the public to attacks on government properties and military installations.

Senior police officials specified that the focus of the investigation primarily centred on two cases: the assault on the Lahore corps commander's residence and the Askari Tower.

The cases were filed at several police stations, including Sarwar Road, Gulberg, Race Course, Naseerabad, Shadman, and others in Lahore.

In today's hearing at Anti-Terrorism Court-I before Judge Khalid Arshad, the police requested a 30-day physical remand for Imran Khan to facilitate further investigation into the 12 cases. Imran Khan appeared via video call from Adiala Jail, represented by his lawyers, Azhar Siddique and Usman Gul, who objected to the remote proceedings and insisted on his physical presence.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Khalid Arshad reserved his verdict briefly and later granted a 10-day physical remand for Imran Khan. This remand applies to cases registered at Sarwar Road, Gulberg, Race Course, Shadman, Model Town, and Mughalpura police stations, totaling five cases at Sarwar Road, three at Gulberg, and one each at the other mentioned stations, Dawn reported.