Supreme Court grants bail to PTI senator Ejaz Chaudhry

Islamabad: The Supreme Court has granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, directing him to submit surety bonds worth Rs 100,000 to the trial court.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan heard the case. The prosecution argued that Chaudhry incited violence and was part of a conspiracy. In response, Justice Naeem remarked that if the case was truly strong, it should have been referred to a military court. He further noted that bail cannot be treated as a form of punishment.

The defense counsel informed the court that Chaudhry has been in custody since May 11, 2023.

In February 2024, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore formally charged Ejaz Chaudhry, along with PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, in connection with the May 9 riots, which included attacks on police vehicles and the Shadman police station. All accused pleaded not guilty. The trial is currently being conducted in jail.