Imran, others’ indictment in GHQ attack case deferred for 4th time

RAWALPINDI. Indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other accused in May-9 GHQ attack case, was deferred for the fourth time, here on Thursday.

Hearing was conducted by Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi. During the proceedings, 10 additional accused filed petitions for acquittal, citing lack of evidence. The court scheduled further hearing to review the applications and proceed with the case.

“No one can say that the GHQ was not attacked,” said special prosecutor. Speaking to the media outside the court, Special Prosecutor Raja Ikram Amin Minhas said, “We have complete evidence. No one can claim that the GHQ was not attacked. If you are truthful, why are you not facing the court?”

He further added that the accused were still attempting to delay the hearing, and the prosecution had requested the court to hold daily hearings. He mentioned that the accused had once again requested exemption from attendance, with efforts being made to disrupt the court proceedings.

The special prosecutor said there were 119 accused in the case, and as the attendance was not complete, the indictment could not be read. “We have asked the court to cancel their bails as they are misusing them,” he said.

Babar Awan Advocate told the media outside the court, “Everyone has failed, everyone has lost their honour, one person is standing for the honour of all. If Imran Khan calls, we will head towards Islamabad again.”

He said, “Pakistan is currently a state where citizens are being treated like cattle. Citizens are being deprived of entry into Islamabad. Protest is a fundamental right of citizens, and this is a violation of Pakistan’s constitution.”

Babar Awan added, “A government of a defeated army has been installed, incidents like Model Town and Islamabad have been carried out, and those who have been placed in power have carried out public killings. Corpses were snatched from those carrying them for burial.”

He said, “I support the Supreme Court Bar Council. The accused should be arrested soon; blood cannot be hidden. These people will also face Allah’s court. If the courts had prevented the abductions, we would not have reached the point of murders.”

Babar Awan said, “The martyrs are from the smaller provinces of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Those who fired the bullets will have to face the consequences. All groups of lawyers are united in their belief that the rule of law will prevail. The 36 years of martial law have tarnished the vision of Quaid-e-Azam’s Pakistan.”

In this case, more than 143 accused, including Imran Khan, had been named, while 23 accused, including Zulfiqar Bukhari and Shahbaz Gill, are fugitives. The accused have also been banned from traveling abroad.