Lahore High Court to Hear Imran Khan's Petition Against Physical Remand

The Lahore High Court will hear former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's appeals contesting his 10-day physical remand linked to the May 9 violence. A two-member bench will preside over the hearing. The petition argues that the Anti-Terrorism Court didn't properly review the case before remanding Khan.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has scheduled a hearing for July 22 to address former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's petitions challenging his 10-day physical remand, reported ARY News. The petitions are in relation to his alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, violence.

A two-member bench, consisting of Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh and Justice Anwarul Haq, will preside over the hearing. The petitioners argue that the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore did not thoroughly examine the case records when granting Khan's remand.

According to the lawyer, Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was already in prison and had been previously interrogated by the police. The petitions claim that legal procedures were overlooked in granting the remand, urging the LHC to annul the order.

This development follows the ATC's decision to place Khan on a 10-day physical remand amid 12 cases tied to the May 9 riots. Khan was presented through a video link during the hearing due to security concerns.

Judge Khalid Arshad questioned why Khan could not be produced in person. The prosecutor cited security reasons and said they intended to interrogate Khan concerning footage from May 9 incidents, ensuring he stays in Adiala Jail for the investigation.

The defense lawyer opposed the remand, noting it should not be granted via video link. Violent protests erupted across Pakistan on May 9, 2022, after Khan's arrest, with significant unrest in multiple regions and attacks on army installations.

Khan, named as the main accused in the May 9 riots cases, has been detained in Adiala Jail since August 2023 on multiple charges, including the Toshakhana, cypher, and unlawful marriage cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)