LAHORE: The bail plea of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has been rejected in connection with eight cases related to the May 9 riots.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore Judge Manzoor Ali Gul, announced the verdict after reserving it earlier.

The petition addressed eight separate cases, including notable incidents such as attacks on Jinnah House and Askari Tower, among other allegations.

This development comes alongside the registration of seven new cases against former first lady Bushra Bibi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other PTI leaders following a November 24 protest in Attock. Dubbed a “do-or-die” demonstration, it resulted in charges under 23 different sections, including terrorism, attempted murder, and vandalism, across three police stations in Attock.

The FIR accuses the suspects of forcibly taking tear gas, anti-riot equipment, and mobile phones from police officers during the protest. Bushra Bibi has faced criticism for allegedly opposing the government’s proposal to shift the PTI protest to Sangjani, despite claims from party members that Imran Khan was willing to relocate.