The Lahore anti-terrorism court (ATC) has granted former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry a one-day absence during the proceedings concerning his bail applications in five arson cases stemming from the events of May 9. Chaudhry’s legal team presented the request, explaining that his absence was due to health issues. Presiding over the hearing, Judge Arshad Javed approved the absence and extended Chaudhry’s interim bail until October 28.
The May 9 incidents were marked by widespread unrest following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, leading to violent protests across the country. Chaudhry, a prominent PTI leader, is facing serious charges related to these disturbances. His legal counsel, Zafar Iqbal, emphasized the necessity for the court to allow his client to attend the hearings remotely due to his health condition.
During the previous hearing, the court had already granted an extension of Chaudhry’s interim bail until October 5, which coincided with the date of today’s hearing. This extension underscores the ongoing legal challenges faced by PTI leaders in the wake of the turmoil that erupted on May 9, with many individuals, including Chaudhry, navigating through multiple legal hurdles.
As the political landscape in Pakistan remains volatile, these court proceedings have garnered significant attention from both the media and the public. The outcome of Chaudhry’s bail applications could set a precedent for other party leaders facing similar charges. The court’s decision to grant him a temporary absence reflects a degree of leniency as the judicial process unfolds amid the ongoing political crisis.
