ATC defers Imran's indictment once again

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi once again deferred the indictment of former prime minister Imran Khan, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 123 other accused in a case related to attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) following the May 9, 2023 arrest of Imran.

When ATC Judge Syed Amjad Ali Shah resumed hearing of the case on Monday at the courthouse in the garrison city, lawyers representing various accused stated that none of their clients could reach the court due to closure of roads in view of the PTI's protest march in Islamabad.

They requested the court to defer the hearing. As the prosecution did not oppose the request, the judge adjourned hearing of the case till Thursday, November 28.

Earlier, the court marked the attendance of Imran Khan who is detained at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail but has never been presented in any court outside the jail premises in view of "security concerns".

The police were also supposed to present Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is currently incarcerated at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail in the ATC. However, officials informed the judge that due to closure of roads including the motorway and GT Road it was not possible to bring the PTI vice chairman to Rawalpindi.

Other accused who are on bail including Omar Ayub, Shireen Mazari and Zartaj Gul also did not appear before the court.