LHC rules Imran Khan’s Involvement in May 9 violence conspiracy

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ruled that former Prime Minister Imran Khan was involved in a conspiracy behind the violent events of May 9, 2023, citing testimonies from two police officials.

The court dismissed Imran’s post-arrest bail petition, noting sufficient grounds for criminal conspiracy and abetment. According to the written order, statements by Inspector Ismat Kamal and Assistant Sub-Inspector Hassan Afzal place Imran at the center of meetings held on May 4 at Chakri Rest Area, Rawalpindi, and on May 7 and 9 in Lahore, undermining the argument that Imran was in jail during the violence on May 9.

The court observed that Imran’s prior conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case was uncontested and that his alleged statements and actions had led to the loss of lives and damage to state property.

The prosecution submitted audio and video clips, including transcripts prepared by the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority, which require forensic examination.

However, investigators reported that Imran repeatedly refused to cooperate with tests, including photogrammetry, polygraph, and voice-matching tests, hindering progress.

The court concluded that the charges fall under the prohibitory clause of Section 497 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which bars bail in serious offenses.

It found no new circumstances to justify further inquiry or release on bail, dismissing the petition outright. In contrast, the Islamabad High Court acquitted four PTI members who had been convicted on charges of attacking a police station during the violent May 9 riots, citing a lack of evidence