Imran Khan and PTI Leaders Charged with “Criminal Conspiracy” over May 9 Riots

In a recent update regarding the May 9 riots probe, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation Anoosh Masood announced that PTI Chairman Imran Khan and all named suspects have now been charged with “criminal conspiracy.” During a press briefing in Lahore, Masood explained that nine more sections, which relate to treason, have been incorporated into the challans against all those involved, including Khan.

This comes after violent outbursts followed the former prime minister’s arrest in the £190 million National Crime Agency (NCA) UK settlement case. Masood stated that evidence indicating Khan’s role in inciting mutiny and plotting vandalism was discovered. Furthermore, all issues raised by the prosecution have been addressed before presenting the case challans to the court.

Imran Khan’s Current Situation and Case Progress

The ousted premier, who lost his position through a parliamentary vote in the previous April, has been rigorously interrogated by a dedicated Joint Investigation Team (JIT) regarding the nationwide chaos after his arrest. Currently imprisoned in Attock jail, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan, along with several PTI leaders, faces multiple charges stemming from the violent aftermath of his arrest. The upheaval resulted in the tragic deaths of eight individuals and left numerous others injured.

Consequently, many PTI supporters and senior officials were detained. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, major infrastructures like Jinnah House and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi were targeted during the riots. Responding to these actions, the military dubbed May 9 “Black Day” and opted to prosecute the rioters under the Army Act.

The police had also appended charges of incitement and attempting to wage war, after which they approached the anti-terrorism court to gain clearance for investigating Khan further. Judge Ejaz Ahmad Buttar subsequently approved their request. The extended list of offences encompasses various charges, from promoting public mischief to waging war against Pakistan.