An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has issued bailable arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his aides in three different cases related to violence outside the judicial complex during court appearances. The warrants were issued by Judge Abul Hasnat, emphasizing the presence of the accused in the ongoing proceedings.
Issuance of Arrest Warrants
In response to an exemption plea filed by Khan’s counsel, the judge ruled that the accused must appear before the court. Consequently, arrest warrants were issued for Imran Khan, as well as other leaders such as Farrukh Habib, Shibli Faraz, and Hassan Niazi, in connection with the judicial complex attack case. The judge also directed all the accused to appear before the court regarding the charges against them. The hearing of the case was adjourned until July 19.
Background and Charges
Earlier, the Islamabad police registered a case against Imran Khan and his party leaders for their involvement in the attack, vandalism, and damage caused to the judicial complex. Despite facing numerous cases since being removed from power, Khan arrived at the Judicial Complex in Islamabad accompanied by a large crowd, resulting in mayhem and injuries to several party leaders.
The case against Khan and his party workers was registered under Section 353/7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, along with other provisions related to provoking masses to engage in vandalism. According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police, it was alleged that leaders and workers of the former ruling party attempted to attack the Federal Judicial Complex and the Islamabad High Court (IHC) as part of an organized plan. The FIR further stated that armed workers damaged state-owned property at the judicial complex and threatened to harm police officials and administration members present there.
