Verdict on PM's acquittal plea in PTV, parliament attack case reserved

Counsel argues no evidence against the premier's involvement found; verdict to be announced on Oct 29

ISLAMABAD:

An anti-terrorism court in the federal capital reserved on Monday its verdict on Prime Minister Imran Khan's acquittal plea in the Pakistan Television (PTV) and Parliament House attack case.

During proceedings, the prime minister's counsel Abdullah Babar Awan filed written arguments seeking the PM's acquittal. The arguments maintained that there was no evidence against the prime minister's involvement in the case, and no eyewitness have also come forward regarding this.

In addition, the prosecution is not ready to take further legal action against the premier, the statement read.

The anti-terrorism court reserved its judgement; it will be announced on October 29.

On September 1, 2014, hundreds of men, alleged protesters from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) camps, had ransacked the office of the PTV and parliament premises, and brutally beaten up a senior police official, less than 24 hours into his first day on the job as SSP operations.

PM Imran, PAT Chief Tahirul Qadri and several others were booked over their alleged involvement in the attack during the 2014 sit-ins in the capital.

Political leaders and over a hundred workers and supporters were also booked in the cases. The workers who were arrested were later released on bail.