The Lahore High Court has issued its written verdict on Thursday, rejecting the bail petitions of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in eight cases related to the May 9 violence. The court ruled that the argument that the PTI founder was in jail on May 9 is not acceptable.
Citing police testimonies, the court noted that, according to officials, the plan for the May 9 incidents was finalised on May 4 and was allegedly masterminded by the PTI founder himself.
The verdict further stated that the nature of the PTI founder’s role was different from that of other co-accused, as he was a leader whose words and statements led to damage to state property.
The court observed that criminal force was used to pressure state institutions and the government, and the prosecution has presented audio and video recordings along with transcripts as evidence of the PTI founder’s alleged conspiracy and involvement.
The judgment added that the conspiratorial language and speeches delivered by the PTI founder incited the public, resulting in attacks on state institutions.
The court concluded that the material on record directly pointed to the PTI founder’s active role in instigating the events of May 9, justifying the rejection of his bail applications.