Imran Khan and PTI Leaders Charged in Anti-Terrorism Court
An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan and over 100 members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in connection with the violent events of May 9, 2023. This incident, which followed Khan's initial arrest on corruption charges, saw widespread unrest across major cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The court's indictment includes at least 60 PTI leaders and former officials, with notable figures such as former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed also facing charges.
The court has scheduled December 10 for the prosecution to present its evidence. Following the charges, several opposition leaders, including Omar Ayub, were arrested after their petitions were rejected. In a related development, arrest warrants were issued for Bushra Bibi, Khan's wife, due to her absence in the ongoing Toshakhana case, which also implicates Khan.
Background of the May 9 Events
The May 9 events were marked by significant violence, with demonstrators attacking military and government facilities, including the General Headquarters of the Pakistani Army and the Jinnah House in Lahore. The unrest resulted in over 5,000 arrests under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with Khan and other PTI leaders accused of inciting the violence. Both Khan and his party have denied these allegations, claiming that the intelligence services are responsible for the unrest and are fabricating charges against them.
