Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood granted bail in May 9 riots cases

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday approved the post-arrest bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his deputy Shah Mahmood Qureshi in twelve cases related to the May 9 riots.

The former prime minister was also granted bail in the GHQ and Army Museum attack cases.

The bail of the PTI stalwarts was approved by ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif. Imran and Qureshi were indicted in the cases on February 6.

However, the court approved bails of PTI leaders today against the surety bond of Rs100,00 in all 12 cases.

The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the ousted prime minister's arrest in the £190 million settlement case. 

During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including, Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. 

Hundreds of PTI workers and seniour leaders were arrested for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations.

The military termed May 9 "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.

The PTI founder was booked under sections 121 (waging or attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against Pakistan), 131 (abetting mutiny, or attempting to seduce a soldier, sailor or airman from his duty) and 146 (rioting) mentioned in the first information report (FIR).

Other offences include sections 120, 120-A, 120-B, 121-A, 505, 153, 153-A, 153-B and 107 of PPC for his alleged involvement in attacks on Askari Tower, Shadman police station, and torching of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) offices in Lahore's Model Town and Jinnah House.