Pakistan’s local courts have rejected Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s bail petitions in 9 cases on Wednesday. The Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman sought bail in connection with the FIRs registered against him over violent protests.
The PTI chief arrest in a corruption case on May 9 this year triggered violent protests with the party supporters attacking defence and military installations in many parts of the country.
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad dismissed three bail petitions on Tuesday and the Additional District and Sessions Judge rejected six petitions seeking pre-arrest bail for the former Prime Minister.
The prosecution took the stance that since Khan was in jail, he was not entitled to pre-arrest bail. The investigation officers informed the court that Khan has not joined the investigation in cases registered against him.
Khan, 70, has been at the centre of political turmoil since he was ousted last year as prime minister in a no-confidence vote, raising concerns about Pakistan’s stability as it grapples with an economic crisis.
Khan is currently lodged in the Attock jail after being convicted in the Toshakhana corruption case. The Election Commission following his conviction barred the politician from participating in political activities for five years