Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been nominated as the prime accused in a challan submitted before an anti-terrorism court. This action is related to 11 cases registered in the aftermath of the May 9 riots that gripped the nation.
The challan, which encompasses incidents of vandalism at several prominent locations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, Shadman Police Station, and Sherpao Bridge, has named Imran Khan, the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and other party leaders as prime accused.
The turmoil erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 by the paramilitary Rangers. Protests spread nationwide, with rioters targeting key government and military installations, along with other acts of vandalism. To control the situation, the state temporarily shut down internet and mobile services for four days, causing disruptions in information flow and economic functions.
Since then, authorities have apprehended numerous PTI leaders and workers, primarily from Punjab. Many of them, including those named in today’s challan, remain in custody. Additionally, at least 102 suspects are currently detained in military custody, awaiting trials under the Pakistan Army Act, in conjunction with the Official Secrets Act, both of which were recently amended.
Imran Khan, who was initially arrested on May 9 and subsequently released on May 11 by order of the Supreme Court, was arrested once more on August 5, following his conviction in the Toshakhana case. This development has effectively dashed his hopes of participating in the upcoming general elections, and he remains incarcerated with over 150 cases pending against him.
In a related development, the police also submitted a challan on Thursday pertaining to an arson attack on Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi’s squad car.
