A boy rides past a paramilitary checkpost that was set afire by supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Karachi, Pakistan, May 9, 2023.
Reuters
The May 9 cases took a dramatic turn on Monday as key leaders of the main opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) retracted their confessional statements implicating the party's founder, Imran Khan, in last year’s riots.
The cases stem from violent protests that erupted following Khan's first arrest last year, during which his supporters vandalized military installations nationwide.
The incident marked one of the most significant challenges to Pakistan’s military in its 75-year history. To date, 368 PTI workers have been implicated in the cases.
Key leaders withdraw confessions
During a hearing at Islamabad's anti-terrorism court, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, prominent PTI figures—including ally Sheikh Rashid, Omar Ayub, Babar Awan, Raja Basharat, Kanwal Shauzab, and Shireen Mazari—appeared in connection with 13 cases tied to the riots.
The leaders formally petitioned to withdraw their earlier confessions, which reportedly linked Khan to the violence. Following this development, police removed their names from the list of approvers and reclassified them as accused.
PTI lawyer Dr Babar Awan argued that the prosecution’s case heavily relied on these confessions. “With these statements withdrawn, the foundation of the prosecution’s case has collapsed,” he told the court.
Supporters and activists of former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party take part in a protest in Lahore on October 5, 2024.
AFP
The court also granted attendance exemptions to 24 accused individuals, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Zain Qureshi, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul.
Meanwhile, police investigation teams submitted supplementary charge sheets against Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Ayub, and Shibli Faraz.
Change in case narrative?
The retracted confessions have significantly reshaped the case narrative. Earlier, PTI’s Sadaqat Abbasi had alleged that Khan chaired a May 4 meeting at Rawalpindi’s Chakri Interchange, directing party leaders to plan protests targeting sensitive sites such as the GHQ and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) offices in case of his arrest.
Abbasi claimed the meeting aimed to mobilize public support and included Rawalpindi ticket holders.
Leaders voice grievances
Outside the court, the PTI leaders criticized the handling of the cases, citing procedural flaws and harassment.
Kanwal Shauzab accused the government of suppressing dissent. “Severe charges are being leveled against PTI workers, while terror suspects are allegedly let off,” she said, reiterating the party’s plans for a nationwide protest on Nov. 24.
PTI supporters wave party flags during a rally in Islamabad on Sept 8, 2024.
Reuters
Shireen Mazari, no longer affiliated with the PTI, decried alleged harassment despite her compliance with court proceedings. “I am no longer involved in politics, yet I am being hounded,” she said, accusing Punjab police of issuing unwarranted arrest notices.
Veteran politician Sheikh Rashid condemned law enforcement, stating, “There is no constitution or law in this country.” Rashid vowed to continue fighting for the release of detained PTI workers.
162 cases filed against Khan
In a related development, the Islamabad High Court was informed that 162 cases have been filed against Imran Khan nationwide, including 62 in the federal capital and 54 in Punjab.
During a hearing led by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, DSP Legal Sajid Cheema presented a report detailing the cases. Imran Khan’s legal team, represented by Mirza Asim Baig and Shahina Shahabuddin, sought comprehensive records.
Supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan participate in a protest against his arrest, in Peshawar, Pakistan, May 9, 2023.Reuters
The report also listed four cases under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and six by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The court granted additional time for police to consolidate case details before adjourning the hearing.
Qureshi, others Indicted
Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore indicted Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other senior PTI leaders in cases linked to the May 9 riots, following fresh charge sheets.
Judge Manzar Ali Gul conducted proceedings at Kot Lakhpat Jail, citing security concerns. The cases involve charges of arson and vandalism, including at Lahore’s Shadman police station.
The accused, including Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, pleaded not guilty.
The court directed the prosecution to present witnesses at the next hearing.
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