GHQ attack case: Indictment of Imran Khan, others deferred again

Special prosecutor insists on full evidence, while defence lawyers argue for further postponement.

Listen to article

The indictment of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other accused in the May 9th GHQ attack case has been deferred for the fourth time.

The hearing was conducted by Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi.

During the proceedings, 10 additional accused individuals filed petitions for acquittal, citing lack of evidence. The court has scheduled further hearings to review these applications and proceed with the case.

"No one can say that the GHQ was not attacked," says Special Prosecutor.

Speaking to the media outside the court, Special Prosecutor Raja Ikram Amin Minhas stated, "We have complete evidence. No one can claim that the GHQ was not attacked. If you are truthful, why are you not facing the court?"

He further added that the accused are still attempting to delay the hearing, and the prosecution has requested the court to hold daily hearings. He mentioned that the accused had once again requested exemption from attendance, with efforts being made to disrupt the court proceedings.

The Special Prosecutor also explained that there are 119 accused in this case, and as the attendance is not complete, the indictment cannot be read. "We have asked the court to cancel their bails as they are misusing them," he said, referring to the misuse of bail by the accused.

In a media conversation outside the court, Babar Awan stated, "Everyone has failed, everyone has lost their honour, one person is standing for the honour of all. If Imran Khan calls, we will head towards Islamabad again."

He further said, "Pakistan is currently a state where citizens are being treated like cattle. Citizens are being deprived of entry into Islamabad. Protest is a fundamental right of the citizens, and this is a violation of Pakistan's constitution."

Babar Awan added, "A government of a defeated army has been installed, incidents like Model Town and Islamabad have been carried out, and those who have been placed in power have carried out public killings. Corpses were snatched from those carrying them for burial."

He expressed his support for the Supreme Court Bar Council, saying, "I support the Supreme Court Bar Council. The accused should be arrested soon, blood cannot be hidden. These people will also face Allah's court. If the courts had prevented the abductions, we would not have reached the point of murders."

Babar Awan also stated, "The martyrs are from the smaller provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Those who fired the bullets will have to face the consequences. All groups of lawyers are united in their belief that the rule of law will prevail. The 36 years of martial law have tarnished the vision of Quaid-e-Azam's Pakistan."

In this case, more than 143 accused, including Imran Khan, have been named, while 23 accused, including Zulfiqar Bukhari and Shahbaz Gill, are fugitives. The accused have also been banned from traveling abroad.