LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday remanded Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to physical custody in connection with 12 cases related to the May 9 riots.
Imran Khan was presented via video link due to ‘security concerns,’ as stated by the prosecutor. When the judge, Khalid Arshad, questioned why the accused could not be produced in person, the prosecutor explained it was for security reasons. The prosecutor added that they needed to investigate Imran Khan concerning footage from the May 9 incidents and would conduct the investigation at Adiala Jail without moving him.
The prosecutor informed the court about the 12 cases against Khan related to the May 9 riots and requested his physical remand. However, the defense counsel opposed this request, arguing that physical remand cannot be granted if the accused is presented via video link.
Usman Gul, Khan’s lawyer, insisted that the physical remand requires the accused’s physical presence in court. Azhar Siddique, another defense lawyer, pointed out that the proper procedure for video link attendance was not followed and either a government notification or court permission was necessary.
The judge remarked that he had seen and spoken to the accused for five minutes and found him to be fine and articulate.
Earlier, the investigation police formally arrested Imran Khan in connection with the Jinnah House attack case on May 9.
The police arrived at Adiala Jail for the formal arrest, stating that Khan would be investigated under sections related to inciting against the state.
The police noted that Imran Khan has been arrested in 12 cases related to the May 9 riots, including the Jinnah House attack.
They requested the Rawalpindi court to transfer Khan to Lahore, but the court denied the transfer due to security concerns. It is also relevant to note that Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi are already on a six-day physical remand in a new Toshakhana case until July 19.
