LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday confirmed interim pre-arrest bail of former prime minister Imran Khan in a criminal case of attacking a police team outside his Zaman Park residence.

Justice Muhammad Amjad Rafiq directed the incarcerated PTI founding chairman to furnish bail bonds of Rs500,000.

Earlier, Barrister Salman Safdar appeared on behalf of Mr Khan and denied charges against his client. He said the petitioner had no role in the alleged attack on police.

He said the trial court had granted pre-arrest bail to Mr Khan on merits but later dismissed the same on the ground of non-appearance following his conviction in Toshakhana case. He asked the court to confirm the bail of Khan.

Justice Rafiq observed that an accused behind bars could seek the relief of bail without appearing before the court.

Imran Khan’s pre-arrest bail petitions in three other cases of May 9 riots are still pending before the ATC.

The cases include attack on the Jinnah House, Askari Tower and Shadman police station.

The ATC on March 1 last confirmed his pre-arrest bail in four other cases, including murder of Zille Shah, attack on police outside Zaman Park, and torching offices of the PML-N in Model Town and a container at Kalma Chowk on May 9, 2023.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024