The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has rejected bail for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan in the Jinnah House attack case. The court issued a detailed seven-page written judgment. Judge Manzar Ali Gul stressed that Khan’s words as a leader hold significant influence over his party members and supporters. The court noted that no other PTI leader would openly oppose his directives.
The judgment declared that Imran Khan is directly culpable in the case. It further described the events of the attack, which included arson and vandalism. These acts targeted military installations, government buildings, and police officials, sparing only private property.
According to the prosecution, the plan to attack Jinnah House originated from Khan’s residence in Zaman Park. Evidence presented in court showed that valuable items were destroyed in the fire at Jinnah House. Authorities recovered petrol bombs and batons from 50 arrested individuals. However, many other suspects managed to escape.
The court found no valid grounds to grant bail to the former prime minister. Consequently, it dismissed his bail applications. Earlier, on November 27, the ATC had denied bail in this case and seven others.
The events stem from widespread protests on May 9, 2023, following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary troops. The arrest was carried out on the orders of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a corruption case.
The protests caused severe damage to public and private property. Protesters attacked military sites, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and the Lahore Corps Commander’s House, known as Jinnah House. They also vandalized monuments honoring martyrs.
In response, both civil and military leadership vowed to punish those responsible. The authorities resolved to use relevant laws, including the Army Act, against individuals involved in the May 9 incidents. Charges included hooliganism, arson, ransacking, attacks on military installations, and desecration of memorials.
