Adiala jail superintendent, district administration repeatedly asked by court to install and activate video link
The hearing in the May 9 GHQ attack case was adjourned for the 11th consecutive time at the Rawalpindi Anti-Terrorism Court on Tuesday, with the proceedings postponed to January 20.
No progress could be made as the video link system remains non-operational at Adiala Prison and the Anti-Terrorism Court, although more than two months have passed since the Interior Ministry issued the order on October 30 to conduct trials through video link or WhatsApp calls.
At every scheduled hearing, the court repeatedly ordered the superintendent of Adiala Prison and the district administration to install and activate the video link system in the prison and the courtroom.
PTI founder Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Malik appeared in court and requested access to his client, who is currently detained at Adiala Prison.
“We have to follow the instructions of the PTI founder regarding business,” Malik told the court.
Special prosecutor Zaheer Shah said Imran Khan was out on bail in connection with the May 9 GHQ attack and was not in the custody of the anti-terrorism court. He added that the PTI founder is now a convicted person and the defense can approach the appropriate forum for relief.
A special court sentenced Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi to 17 years in prison each in the Toshakhana-II case on December 20, which involves allegations that the couple illegally kept a Bulgari jewelry set gifted by the Saudi crown prince during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
“The convicted person is in the custody of the prison director, who also controls visiting rights,” the prosecutor said.
The defense lawyer said: “Until we have access to the PTI founder, we will not participate in the legal proceedings. »
The court issued non-bailable arrest warrants for 40 to 45 absent accused. A copy of the video link trial notice, issued by the Punjab Home Department on October 30, was provided to the defense lawyers.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court presided over the hearing, which was adjourned until January 20.
Read: ATC sentences Dr Yasmeen to 10 years in prison, acquits Qureshi
Faisal Malik, the defense lawyer, speaking to the media outside the court, said the PTI founder is expected to be produced in the court for May 9 cases. He noted that although Khan is incarcerated in Adiala jail, he is out on bail for the May 9 cases. Malik added that if the accused has been convicted in another case, he is usually produced in court for the remaining cases.
He urged the court to ensure that the PTI founder is produced in court and that the May 9 cases proceed expeditiously. Malik expressed concern that access to his client was being denied, saying: “Nowhere in the world is a lawyer prevented from meeting his client. »
He also noted that the Islamabad High Court, Lahore Bench, has already given a decision on visitation rights. Malik said the repeated denial of access by the jail authorities amounted to contempt of court and asked the court to either grant access or produce the PTI founder before the court.
Convictions
The Lahore ATC on December 19 delivered its verdict in the May 9 case, sentencing Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed to 10 years in prison each, while Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted of all charges in the case.
These PTI leaders have already been convicted by various courts of Punjab in connection with incidents of unrest that took place on May 9, 2023, when party supporters allegedly indulged in attacks on government and military properties following the arrest of Imran Khan.
The court also ordered the arrest and production of four proclaimed offenders, Farooq Anjum, Habib Ahmed, Arsalan and Akbar Khan.
The case, registered at the Racecourse Police Station, relates to the attack on Club Chowk, GOR Gate, where the accused allegedly damaged security cameras, broke police wireless equipment and gate windows, attacked officials and vandalized public property.
Learn more: Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi sentenced to 17 years in prison in Toshakhana 2.0
Attack on GHQ
May 9 relates to the violent protests that erupted after the arrest of Imran Khan at the premises of the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023. The protests were allegedly involved in widespread vandalism and attacks on public and military properties, leading to the arrest of hundreds of PTI workers and leaders in related cases.
At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured during the riots, while around 40 public buildings and military installations were damaged. These included the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan Peshawar, Swat Highway Toll Plaza and Mianwali Air Base.
Several PTI leaders, including Shibli Faraz, are already facing cases related to the unrest, as investigations and proceedings continue.
In December 2024, an anti-terrorism court indicted Khan and other PTI leaders in connection with the May 9, 2023 attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ).
Last year, Imran Khan was arrested in the GHQ attack case, and soon after, his release warrant was issued in the Cypher case. The Express PK Press Club obtained a copy of the report on the GHQ attack, which outlines 27 serious accusations against Khan and other defendants.
Read also: When was the last time you saw Imran Khan?
The report alleges that, under the leadership of former provincial law minister Raja Basharat, the accused stormed the GHQ gate, causing extensive property damage, despite being warned by military personnel to stop.
The accused also allegedly broke into sensitive areas of GHQ, started fires, threw petrol bombs and caused chaos in the premises.
According to the report, slogans such as “No Pakistan without Khan” and “Behind this terrorism is the uniform” were allegedly raised, targeting military personnel and attacking the reputation of the Pakistani armed forces.
The investigation report said attacks also took place on sensitive ISI and GHQ offices, terming the protest a criminal conspiracy.
