Imran Khan declared ‘guilty’ in Jinnah House attack case

Lahore’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has rejected the bail application of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in connection with the May 9, 2023, attack on Jinnah House.

In a seven-page written ruling, Judge Manzar Ali Gul emphasized Khan’s influential role as PTI’s leader, asserting that his statements significantly shaped the actions of his party members and supporters.

The court concluded that Khan’s actions and directives contributed to the violence that unfolded on that day.

The ruling came in the wake of nationwide protests following Khan’s arrest by paramilitary troops under the directions of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on corruption charges. On May 9, 2023, PTI workers, protesting the arrest, engaged in widespread destruction, including arson and vandalism of military installations, government properties, and private property.

Notably, the attack on Jinnah House in Lahore, which served as the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, was one of the key incidents of the protests.

The prosecution claimed that the attack on Jinnah House was part of a larger conspiracy, allegedly orchestrated from Khan’s Zaman Park residence.

The prosecution presented evidence that valuable property at Jinnah House was destroyed in the fire, and law enforcement had recovered petrol bombs and batons from 50 arrested suspects. However, many other suspects involved in the incident managed to evade capture.

The court found insufficient grounds to justify granting bail to Khan, noting the gravity of the charges against him and the destruction caused by the protests. Khan had previously been denied bail in this and seven other cases by the ATC on November 27, 2024.

The violent protests on May 9 led to significant unrest across the country, with PTI supporters attacking sensitive military installations, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, and vandalizing public and private properties.

In the aftermath of the incidents, civil and military leadership pledged to pursue exemplary punishment under relevant laws, including the Army Act, for those involved in the violence and desecration of military monuments.

Imran Khan continues to face multiple charges related to the May 9 protests, with legal proceedings ongoing.