Court bars Police from arresting PTI founder in May 9 case, five others

ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad on Tuesday stopped the arrest of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in the May 9 case and five other cases, extending pre-arrest bail for him and his wife Bushra Bibi until February 6.

The court also directed that the PTI founder must be presented at the next hearing, either in person or through a video link.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka heard the case. The court passed the orders during proceedings related to the May 9 case and other pending cases registered against the PTI founder.

Due to the absence of the PTI founder, arguments on the pre-arrest bail applications could not be heard. The court therefore postponed the hearing on the bail pleas until February 6 and maintained the interim relief granted earlier.

The court issued clear instructions that the PTI founder must be produced at the next hearing, either physically or via video link, so that proceedings can move forward without delay.

Lawyers Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry and Shamsa Kiyani appeared on behalf of the PTI founder and Bushra Bibi during the hearing.

According to case records, multiple cases are registered against the PTI founder, including the May 9 incidents, an attempted murder case, and cases related to alleged fake receipts. Separate allegations have also been levelled against Bushra Bibi for submitting alleged fake receipts, for which a case has been registered.