LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday allowed post-arrest bail to former governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema in a case of Shadman police station attack during the May 9 riots.

ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced a reserved verdict on the bail petition of the former governor.

The judge allowed the bail petition subject to furnishing surety bonds of Rs100,000.

However, Mr Cheema will remain behind bars due to his arrest in other cases of May 9 riots.

Separately, the judge adjourned for arguments a bail petition of PTI-Punjab President Dr Yasmin Rashid in a May 9 case of torching police vehicles near Jinnah House.

Both prosecution and defence sought more time to conclude their arguments. The judge allowed the request and adjourned the hearing till June 19.

The judge also extended the pr-arrest bail of Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan in multiple cases related to the PTI last year’s October protests. Both sisters of former prime minister Imran Khan appeared before the court on expiry of their bail period.

Another ATC extended the pre-arrest bail of former finance minister Asad Umar in three cases of May 9 riots including the Jinnah House attack.

The PTI leader appeared before the court along with his lawyer.

The court extended the bail till July 25.

Notices: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued notices to the Punjab chief secretary, home secretary and the capital city police officer (CCPO) on a petition challenging the ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes.

Justice Anwaar Hussain heard the petition filed by 74 dealers of vapes and e-cigarettes.

The judge rejected a request of the petitioners to immediately unseal the shops sealed for violating the ban.

A counsel for the petitioners pointed out that the federal government permitted the import of vapes and e-cigarettes. He said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to conduct lawful business, but the Punjab government imposed a ban on the sale of vapes and electronic cigarettes.

He asked the court to set aside the ban and the sealing as well.

However, a Punjab government’s lawyer raised an objection to the maintainability of the petition. He argued that the use of vapes and e-cigarettes poses serious health risks.

He stated that the health of the younger generation was being damaged by the use of these products.

The judge directed the law officer to furnish replies on behalf of the respondents within a week.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025