2024-07-13 17:17:38
Lahore: An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan said that the actions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, jailed in connection with the May 9 violence, were akin to that of a terrorist. It said that he tasked party leaders to attack military installations, government properties and police officials to press for his release. The 71-year-old founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and hundreds of his party colleagues are being tried under several cases. These include a case under the Official Secrets Act in connection with the violent protest carried out by his supporters on May 9, 2023.
Violent protests erupted after Khan’s arrest in a corruption case and major military installations were attacked across Pakistan. The order said Khan not only incited people but also directed leaders to create chaos, disrupt law and order and commit arson to pressurise the army and the government for his release, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.
Imran Khan’s party termed the anti-terrorism court’s decision as an “absurd order” and announced that it would launch protests. The Lahore anti-terrorism court earlier this week rejected Khan’s pre-arrest bail in three cases related to the May 9 riots and allowed the police to keep him in continued custody for questioning. A detailed order in this regard came on Thursday.