GHQ attack case : PTI founder refuses to appear in court

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan on Tuesday refused to appear before the court in the GHQ attack case. The hearing, conducted inside the Adiala Jail, was presided over by Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Amjad Ali Shah.

Imran Khan’s legal team, led by advocate Faisal Malik, attended the proceedings, along with Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah. Despite the court’s repeated directions, Imran, the main accused in the case, did not appear.

The court sent three separate messages to Khan, instructing him to attend the hearing, but jail officials informed the judge that Khan had declined on health grounds. His absence delayed the proceedings for over an hour and 40 minutes, as both the prosecution and defence lawyers waited inside the jail courtroom. However, Khan remained in his cell and did not come forward.

Before the session began, the court informed the defence that the jail trial had been formally resumed, following an earlier decision to conduct in-prison proceedings for security and legal reasons. Despite repeated reminders, Imran Khan did not agree to appear, prompting the court to halt further action in the case.

After hearing brief arguments from both sides, the judge adjourned the proceedings until October 20. The judge reiterated that Khan’s personal appearance remains mandatory, and the continuation of the trial now depends on his cooperation.