ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday ordered authorities to produce jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at the next hearing of the Judicial Complex attack case.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra conducted the hearing in a case related to an incident that occurred when Imran Khan visited the Judicial Complex in Islamabad in 2023 to seek bail in multiple cases.
A large number of PTI supporters gathered at the site during the visit. They allegedly dismantled security barriers, damaged the complex’s entrance gate and disrupted court proceedings.
Islamabad police subsequently registered a terrorism case against several suspects at Ramna police station. The case was registered under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and Section 353 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Court Orders Imran’s Production
During Monday’s hearing, Judge Sipra directed authorities to produce Imran Khan before the court at the next hearing.
The judge said Khan, who is incarcerated at Adiala Jail, could be produced either physically or through a video link.
The PTI founder has remained in prison since August 2023 following several convictions. His party has described the cases against him as politically motivated.
Since his removal from office in April 2022 following a no-confidence vote, Khan has faced multiple legal cases, including those involving state gifts and his marriage.
Warrants Issued for PTI Leaders
The ATC also declared former PTI leaders Farrukh Habib, Hammad Azhar, Murad Saeed and Shibli Faraz proclaimed offenders.
The court directed authorities to provide details of their properties.
It also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for former Punjab Assembly speaker Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and PTI leader Hassan Niazi.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing until November 5.
