PTI Leader Ali Muhammad Khan Rearrested for the Fifth Time Following Release from Jail

Ali Muhammad Khan, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been rearrested for the fifth time immediately after being released from jail in Mardan. Khan was discharged by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) from all cases related to the May 9 violence and attacks on civil and military installations, leading to his release. However, he was taken into custody by the anti-corruption establishment (ACE) officials on a separate case outside the ATC premises.

Speaking to journalists, Khan expressed his disbelief at being arrested again right after his court release and claimed that the police wanted to apprehend him in connection with another case. He stated his opposition to the individuals involved in the May 9 incidents.

Official sources suggest that Khan's rearrest is related to a case registered with the anti-corruption police. The initial arrest of the PTI leader occurred on May 11 by Islamabad police under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance, in connection with the violent protests and attacks on civil and military installations that took place the previous month.

The protests erupted nationwide after the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case at the Islamabad High Court. During the prolonged demonstrations, allegedly instigated by enraged PTI workers, private and public properties, including military installations such as the Lahore Corps Commander's House and the entrance to the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, were attacked. The violent protests resulted in the loss of at least eight lives.

On June 7, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) ordered the release of Ali Muhammad Khan, who had been held under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance in connection with the May 9 violence. The court's decision came after a bail plea filed by Khan, during which one of the judges questioned how serious allegations could be dismissed simply through a press conference, implying that certain individuals were evading legal consequences.

Ali Muhammad Khan's ongoing legal battles and frequent arrests have raised concerns about the stability of the PTI leader's position and cast a shadow over the aftermath of the May 9 incidents. As the situation unfolds, the public and political observers remain attentive to further developments in this complex and evolving story.