Lahore High Court dismisses Fawad Chaudhry’s acquittal pleas in four May 9 cases

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday dismissed former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry’s acquittal applications in four cases related to the May 9 incidents in Faisalabad, directing him to approach the relevant trial court instead.

A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Alia Neelum and comprising Justice Abhar Gul heard the petitions.

During the proceedings, the bench rejected the acquittal pleas at the initial stage, advising Fawad Chaudhry’s legal team to pursue the matter before the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad.

“This court cannot decide on the acquittal applications directly,” Chief Justice Alia Neelum remarked during the hearing. Addressing the petitioner’s counsel, she said, “You should go to the trial court and apply for acquittal there. If both the witnesses are in your favour, then why are you worried?”

Fawad Chaudhry had filed the applications seeking acquittal in four separate cases linked to the violent protests and attacks on state installations that occurred on May 9 following the arrest of PTI chairman Imran Khan.