ISLAMABAD: In a significant legal development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore granted relief to two senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Umar Ayub and former federal minister Asad Umar, in the ongoing cases related to the May 9 incidents.
The court approved a one-day exemption from personal appearance for Umar Ayub in the case involving charges of arson and rioting. During the court proceedings, Umar Ayub’s lawyer, Rana Muddasir Umar, submitted a plea seeking exemption from the day’s hearing. He informed the court that the opposition leader was currently attending the National Assembly’s budget session and, therefore, could not be present in person. The court accepted the request and formally granted a one-day exemption.
In the same set of cases, the court also extended the interim bail of Asad Umar until July 25, giving him temporary legal protection from arrest. The extension provides Umar additional time to continue participating in legal proceedings while remaining out of custody.
These cases stem from the violent protests that erupted on May 9, following the arrest of PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protests, which turned violent in several parts of the country, led to widespread property damage and confrontations with law enforcement. As a result, multiple FIRs were registered under serious charges, including terrorism, vandalism, and incitement to violence. Several PTI leaders, including Umar Ayub and Asad Umar, have been named in these cases, and their bail applications remain under judicial review. 1,880 Commentseen as a temporary but important legal reprieve amid an ongoing political and legal crisis.
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