An anti-terrorism court in Lahore sent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to 10-day physical custody in 12 cases from May 9.

The arrest relates to several cases registered against the PTI founder at various police stations, including Sarwar Road, Gulberg, Race Course, Shadman, Mughalpura and Model Town.

During the court proceedings, the PTI founder argued before the learned judge and stated that his intention was to protest peacefully despite the allegations against him.

He stressed that he had asked for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 incidents and called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan to intervene.

“I have never incited violence in my 28-year history,” the PTI founder said, denying any involvement in the May 9 riots. He pointed out irregularities regarding the CCTV footage and the handling of his demands.

Advocate Azhar Siddique, representing the PTI founder, argued for his client’s innocence and highlighted the lack of evidence against him throughout Pakistan’s 72-year history.

In response, the prosecutor referred to a video recorded by the PTI founder on May 9, 2023, which is being reviewed for verification.

Justice Khalid Arshad Malik assured that he would document the arguments and rule on the merits of the law. However, he expressed concern over the PTI founder’s absence in court citing security reasons provided by the prosecution.