In a significant development, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari and eight other senior PTI leaders were formally indicted in the ongoing GHQ attack case by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad. This brings the total number of individuals charged in the case to 98. Among those indicted are ex-MPA Rashid Hafeez and retired Major Tahir Sadiq. The accused have all rejected the charges. Notably, PTI Chairman Imran Khan was also indicted in the same case a week earlier. The trial is progressing, with the court rescheduling hearings for December 19.
Court Acquits 61 PTI Workers in D-Chowk Protest Case
In a major relief for PTI supporters, an Islamabad ATC judge acquitted 61 out of 188 PTI workers arrested for their involvement in protests at D-Chowk. The court also addressed concerns about rearrests, instructing the police to release individuals previously discharged. Despite the police’s attempt to extend the remand of arrested protesters, the court ordered their release, stressing that the detentions had been unwarranted. Additionally, the court dismissed the police’s request for physical remand in certain cases, granting judicial remand instead.
11 PTI Workers Declared Proclaimed Offenders in Shadman Police Station Attack Case
An ATC in Lahore declared 11 PTI workers proclaimed offenders (POs) in connection with the attack on the Shadman police station during the May 9 riots. The court issued perpetual arrest warrants for the accused, who were named in the application by the investigating officer. The suspects had failed to appear before the authorities or cooperate with investigations, leading the judge to declare them POs. The court also recorded witness statements regarding the violence at Zaman Park and Jinnah House during the May 9 incidents.
Imran Khan and Senior PTI Leaders Appear in Court Amid GHQ Attack Trial
As the GHQ attack case proceeds, former Prime Minister Imran Khan and senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi appeared before the anti-terrorism court. Imran Khan was presented in the court, while Qureshi was brought in from Kot Lakhpat Jail for the hearing. The appearance of PTI’s top leadership marked a critical moment in the ongoing trial, which involves accusations of violence against state institutions following the May 9 protests.
Police Ordered to Release Rearrested PTI Activists Following Court’s Intervention
In an unprecedented move, Islamabad ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra intervened to ensure the release of PTI activists who had been rearrested by the police after being discharged by the court. After a brief confrontation with police officers at the judicial complex entrance, the judge directed the immediate release of the detained individuals, who had been previously granted relief. This action reflects the court’s active stance in protecting the rights of those detained unlawfully.
ATC Reschedules Hearing for GHQ Attack Case to December 19
The proceedings of the high-profile GHQ attack case continue as the Islamabad ATC rescheduled the hearing to December 19. A total of 98 out of 119 accused persons have now been indicted. The trial saw the appearance of Imran Khan and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, with further developments expected in the coming days. The prosecution also requested the cancellation of bail for absentees, highlighting concerns over delays in the trial process.
Court Denies Police Request for Physical Remand of Protesters, Orders Judicial Remand Instead
In another ruling, the Islamabad ATC rejected the police’s request to extend the physical remand of 40 protesters arrested by Shams Colony police. The court sent the detainees to jail on judicial remand, citing concerns over the legality of the arrests. The defense argued that the arrested individuals were innocent laborers, wrongfully detained during the protests. The judge’s decision to dismiss the remand request demonstrates the court’s commitment to ensuring fair legal procedures for the accused.
Lahore ATC Issues Perpetual Warrants for PTI Leaders in May 9 Riots
In relation to the violence on May 9, an ATC in Lahore issued perpetual arrest warrants for 11 PTI workers who had been involved in the attack on police vehicles and other incidents during the riots. The court’s move to declare these individuals as proclaimed offenders is part of a broader crackdown on those responsible for the violence that occurred on that day. The case continues to unfold with ongoing investigations into the events of May 9.
