PTI founder's interim bail extended in May-9 violence cases

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has extended the interim bail of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in three cases related to the May-9 violence until April 26. The cases involve attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and the torching of Shadman police station.

During the proceedings, the ATC Judge Arshad Javed presided over the bail petitions of the PTI founder. The court granted the request for an extension after an associate of the PTI founder's counsel, Barrister Salman Safdar, cited the unavailability of senior counsel due to prior commitments.

The court has directed the jail authorities to ensure the PTI founder's attendance through video-link at the next hearing scheduled for April 26. This extension comes after an ATC dismissed the pre-arrest bails of the PTI founder in seven cases last August due to his incarceration following a conviction in the Toshakhana case.

However, the Lahore High Court later overturned the ATC's decision and reinstated the PTI founder's bail petitions. Recently, another ATC confirmed the interim bail of the PTI founder in four additional cases, including an attack on police outside Zaman Park, the murder of PTI activist Zille Shah, and incidents involving political offices and public property.

The legal proceedings surrounding the PTI founder's involvement in the May-9 violence continue, with the ATC extending his interim bail until April 26. The court's decision to allow more time for the PTI founder's legal representation highlights the complexities of the cases and the importance of due process in addressing allegations of violence and criminal activities.