Imran Khan to Attend Court via Video for May 9 Cases from Jail

Lahore, Oct 7 (PTI) Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, is set to participate in court proceedings via video conferencing for cases concerning the riots of May 9, 2023, following the Punjab government's approval on Tuesday.

"The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz, has granted permission for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, Imran Khan, to appear before the anti-terrorism court through a video link from jail in connection with 11 cases related to the violence on May 9, 2023," a senior official informed PTI.

Since Khan has been labeled the "mastermind of the May 9 riots" in the majority of cases against him, the court hearings will take place at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where he has been held since August 2023.

The official mentioned that the provincial cabinet's decision to facilitate Khan’s video link appearance stems from security concerns.

"Both the law and prosecution departments have issued formal directives based on technical and legal necessities, under the framework of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997," the official added.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court had dismissed the bail applications filed by the ex-cricketer-turned-politician in relation to eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, unrest, including the Jinnah House/Lahore Corps Commander House attack and arson incidents.

The arrest of Khan by the military force Rangers in a corruption case in May 2023 triggered violent protests across Pakistan.

Police detained more than 10,000 of Khan's supporters. Recently, several hundred were sentenced to prison terms ranging from five to 10 years for their roles in the May 9 violence.

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