The interim bail of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Umar in the May 9 Askari Tower attack case was rejected by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday.

ATC Admin Judge Ubhar Gul dismissed Umar’s bail plea and initiated the trial in the case.

Following the arrest of PTI chairman on May 9 from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, widespread protests erupted across Pakistan, leading to incidents such as attacks on army installations and the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore during a PTI workers’ protest.

Asad Umar, who served as the former finance minister and PTI leader, announced his retirement from politics last month, citing disagreement with the policy of confrontation with state institutions.

Umar expressed gratitude to his supporters and thanked his team and voters from the NA-54 constituency.