An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday granted bail to former governor of Punjab, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, in the Shadman police station arson case during the May 9 riots.
Judge Manzar Gul allowed the bail petition, subject to the furnishing of surety bonds worth Rs 100,000.
Cheema had filed for post-arrest bail while in jail custody, seeking relief in connection with one of the several cases registered against him following the violent protests of May 9, 2023.
The Shadman police station arson case is among the numerous FIRs lodged against political leaders and workers, mostly affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for their alleged involvement in attacks on public property and security installations after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the hearing, Cheema’s legal counsel, Advocate Hassan Yousaf Shah, presented arguments in favor of the bail request.
After reviewing the arguments and case record, Judge Manzar Gul approved the bail, marking a legal reprieve for the embattled former governor.