LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has directed an anti-terrorism court to decide pre-arrest bail petitions of former prime minister Imran Khan in seven cases of May 9 riots till Feb 6.

In a detailed order on a petition of Mr Khan, a two-judge bench of the high court directed the counsel of both sides (prosecution and defence) to appear before the trial court on Jan 30.

The bench said the trial court, keeping in view its previous order regarding the safety of the petitioner, would mark the attendance of the petitioner through video-link from jail and decide all applications for pre-arrest bail till Feb 6.

The bench consisting of Justice Aalia Neelum and Justice Farooq Haider had allowed the petition of Khan on Jan 23 and restored his pre-arrest bail petitions dismissed by the trial court for non-appearance.

The bench observed that a court has to consider whether the absence of an accused is for the reason beyond his control and in such circumstances, the court concerned can procure his attendance to decide the application for pre-arrest bail on merits.

The ATC on Aug 11, 2023, dismissed the pre-arrest bail of Khan over his non-appearance as he was jailed following his conviction in Toshakhana case.

The cases include attacks on the Lahore corps commander`s residence, Askari Tower in Gulberg, Shadman police station, the party office of the PML-N in Model Town, and the torching of a container at Kalma Chowk.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024