ATC adjourns hearing in PTI protest cases, orders production of witness

ISLAMABAD: Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Supra on Monday adjourned the hearing of multiple cases registered against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder, including the Faizabad protest case and the October 5 protest case, and ordered for production of witnesses in the I-9 Police Station case.

During the hearing of the I-9 case, PTI leaders Faisal Javed Khan, Aamir Kiani, and others appeared in court alongside their counsel, Sardar Shubhishek Khan and Zahid Bashir Dar. The court noted that witness statements would be recorded and cross-examination conducted at the next hearing.

The PTI lawyers reminded the judge that the next date of hearing was to be set at the discretion of Faisal Javed. In response, Judge Supra said that once witness statements were recorded, the date could be decided with the input of the defence.

“There are 16 witnesses in this case. It should be completed in two days. I think Wasiq Qayyum is the busiest among all the accused,” he remarked. The defence lawyers responded that they were handling numerous cases and had to manage appearances accordingly. The court allowed the accused to leave after attendance.

Meanwhile, in the October 5 protest cases, challans for three cases were submitted by the prosecution. The court issued summons for the accused who were absent and directed those present to ensure appearance at the next hearing. A total of 31 individuals, including Azam Swati, have been summoned.

Judge Supra observed, “I will ask the Investigating Officer (IO) why the challan for the PTI founder and other accused has not been submitted yet. I’m not issuing warrants at this stage, just notices. Ask Azam Swati to appear today.”

The court adjourned the hearing of two cases until June 13, and the Bara Kahu police station case until June 2. Additional cases are also registered against PTI leaders and workers at Aabpara, Sangjani, and other police stations. PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub and other party leaders are also named in the cases.