Rawalpindi (Web Desk): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Thursday approved a five-day physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former premier Imran Khan in connection with a case of vandalism.
The case relates to violent protests that took place on September 28, where PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
Khan was arrested following the approval of his bail in a separate case involving allegations of illegally selling state gifts (Toshakhana case) by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) the previous day.
The case, registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), accuses Khan of inciting violence, arson, and property damage during the protests.
The FIR names five individuals who were arrested at the protest site, with one suspect reportedly found in possession of a petrol bomb.
The violence resulted in significant damage, including the destruction of several police vehicles, injuries to a police officer, and the firing of government firearms, creating widespread panic.
During the hearing today, the prosecution, represented by Special Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah, requested a 15-day remand, asserting that the protesters had attacked government property in violation of Section 144 and that Khan had orchestrated the protests while detained in Adiala Jail.
Countering the government’s lawyer, defense counsel Salman Safdar, argued that the case was a politically motivated attack and questioned how Khan could have planned the protest while being in solitary confinement.
Following the arguments, the court approved a five-day remand for the former prime minister.
On Wednesday, The Islamabad High Court (IHC) granted bail to the PTI founder in connection with the new Toshakhana case.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb approved Khan’s bail against the surety bonds of Rs 1 million each, with separate guarantors for each bond.
The court also ordered Khan to appear before the trial court, stressing that his bail could be revoked if he fails to cooperate in the ongoing proceedings.