A police report submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has declared former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry ‘guilty’ in five cases related to the May 9 incidents.
The report, which was filed during the hearing of Chaudhry’s interim bail, identifies him as responsible for the violence and vandalism that occurred on May 9, including incidents at Rahat Bakery and Sherpao Bridge, Express News reported.
During the hearing, Fawad Chaudhry, citing the absence of his senior counsel, requested a postponement of the proceedings.
The court agreed to the request and adjourned the case, scheduling the next hearing for March 19. The ATC judge, Manzoor Ali Gill, presided over the session.
Chaudhry had filed for interim bail in relation to the arson and vandalism cases, including those linked to the destruction outside Rahat Bakery and other locations on 9 May. The police report, which labels Chaudhry guilty, is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle.
The court is expected to hear further arguments in the case in March, and Chaudhry will remain on interim bail until then.
Previously, a heated altercation between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Shoaib Shaheen and former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry erupted at Adiala Jail’s Gate No. 5, resulting in slaps and verbal abuse on Saturday.
Both leaders first exchanged harsh words, with Chaudhry accusing Shaheen of being an “agency tout,” to which Shaheen retorted, “Mind your own business,” Express news reported.
The confrontation then escalated with Fawad Chaudhry slapping Shoaib Shaheen, causing the PTI leader to fall to the ground.
Jail staff intervened to break up the fight. Fawad Chaudhry subsequently entered the jail premises, while Shoaib Shaheen sustained an injury to his arm from the fall.
PTI lawyer Nadia Khattak, who witnessed the incident, condemned Chaudhry’s actions, stating that physical violence was unacceptable despite differences. She expressed relief that Shaheen did not suffer serious injuries.
