ATC bins Imran Khan's acquittal plea in GHQ attack case

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday denied the acquittal request of imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan in connection with the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case stemming from the violent protests on May 9, 2023.

The decision was made during a hearing regarding the former prime minister's acquittal petition, which was submitted under Article 265 of the Constitution.

The hearing was presided over by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah at a temporary court established within Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail.

During the proceedings, Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah asserted that the prosecution possesses ample evidence against the defendant and that the trial concerning the GHQ attack is currently in progress.

He emphasized that testimonies from 12 witnesses have already been recorded, arguing that an acquittal request cannot be considered while the trial is ongoing.

After reviewing the arguments presented, the ATC judge dismissed the plea and postponed the hearing.

Last month, the Rawalpindi ATC formally charged a total of 100 individuals, including Imran Khan and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid, in the GHQ attack case, which was filed at the R.A. Bazar Police Station.

However, Imran and other charged leaders have refuted the allegations against them.

In total, over 143 individuals, including Khan, have been named as defendants in the case, while 23 others, including Zulfi Bukhari, Shahbaz Gill, and Murad Saeed, are listed as fugitives. Furthermore, all accused individuals have been barred from leaving the country.

At least 70 PTI leaders are accused of orchestrating the events of May 9 and inciting their supporters to assault military and government facilities following the arrest of the ousted prime minister by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

During the protests, the perpetrators targeted both civil and military properties, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The military has labeled May 9 as a "Black Day" and has resolved to prosecute the protesters under the Army Act.