Imran Khan Granted Bail in May 9 Attack Cases Amid Post-Election Developments

(CTN News) – On Saturday (February 10), an anti-terrorism court granted bail to former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in 12 instances, including attacks on military sites on May 9 of last year. Along with Khan, the court awarded relief to former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the same twelve cases.

The development comes after Imran-backed independent candidates gained the most seats, nearly 100, in the general elections on February 8. However, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (N) emerged as the largest party.

Court’s Observation

The court of ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif determined that there was no basis for keeping Khan, 71, in custody when all other suspects in May 9 cases were released on bail.

On February 6, Khan and Qureshi were indicted in all 12 instances. Imran Khan is believed to have told the judge that he was unjustly arrested on May 9 at the Islamabad High Court (IHC) premises.

Massive spontaneous protests broke out across Pakistan on May 9, 2023, targeting military sites following Imran Khan’s detention in an alleged corruption case. Over 20 military institutions and state buildings were damaged during the unrest, including the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistani Army said Imran and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) instigated the strikes.

Will Imran Khan be released from jail?

It should be underlined that Khan will not be released from jail despite winning bail in the 12 instances related to the May 9 incident. It is because the former Pakistani Prime Minister is already serving time in the cypher case and one alleged corruption case.

Khan was removed from power in April 2022 via a no-confidence motion, and more than 150 lawsuits were filed against him.

Latest news from Pakistan’s elections in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Commission of Pakistan announced the results for more than 252 seats, with PTI-backed independents winning about 100.

The group was followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 71 seats, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with 53, Muttahida Qaumi Movement with 17 seats, and smaller parties with the remaining seats.

According to reports in Pakistani media, the PPP and PLM-N are negotiating a power-sharing arrangement and are expected to establish a coalition government “to achieve political and economic stability” in the country.