Pakistan CourtIssues Arrest Warrants, Grants Bail in May 9 Riots Cases

On Friday, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore issued bailable arrest warrants for 14 accused individuals who failed to appear in court in connection with two cases related to the May 9 violence. The court ordered the police to arrest and produce the accused before the court on May 15.

Why this matters: The legal proceedings surrounding the May 9 riots have significant implications for Pakistan's political stability and the rule of law, as they involve high-profile figures and violent protests. The outcome of these cases may influence the country's political landscape and set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.

The accused individuals include Attaur Rehman, Abdul Rehman, Ikram Ullah, Abdul Hadi, Aman Ullah, Ali Hassan, Shahbaz Siddique, Mian Abad, and Rubina Rizwan in the Jinnah House attack case, and Irfan Jameel, Muhammad Ahmad, Saeed Shah, Muhammad Parvaiz, and Mohsin Gul Agha in the Askari Tower attack case.

ATC Judge Arshad Javed presided over the proceedings, as the Gulberg and Sarwar Road police had filed challans in the court regarding the Askari Tower and Jinnah House attack cases stemming from the May 9 riots. The violence erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

In a separate development, the ATC granted interim bail to former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and his wife Musarrat Iqbal Cheema in cases related to the May 9 riots. The court extended their interim bail until May 10 and adjourned further hearings.

The cases against the Cheema couple pertain to attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and the torching of Shadman Police station during the violent protests. The PTI founder's counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, appeared in court and sought additional time, citing the engagements of senior counsel.

Previously, on August 11, 2023, an ATC had dismissed the pre-arrest bails of the PTI founder in seven cases over his non-appearance, as he was jailed after conviction in the Toshakhana case. However, the Lahore High Court later set aside the ATC's decision and restored his bail petitions.

Theissuance of arrest warrantsfor the 14 accused individuals and the granting of interim bail to the Cheema couple mark significant developments in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the May 9 riots. As the cases progress, the court's actions aim to ensure the presence of the accused for trial and provide temporary relief to the former PTI leaders pending further hearings.

Key Takeaways

• An anti-terrorism court in Lahore issues bailable arrest warrants for 14 accused in May 9 violence cases.
• The accused include high-profile figures, and the outcome may impact Pakistan's political stability.
• ATC grants interim bail to former PTI leaders Jamshed and Musarrat Cheema in May 9 riots cases.
• The cases involve attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and Shadman Police station.
• The court aims to ensure the presence of accused for trial and provide temporary relief pending further hearings.