GHQ attack case: ATC dismisses Imran Khan's acquittal plea

Judge rejected pleas submitted by Imran Khan, retired Colonel Ajmal Sabir, and Suhail Irfan Abbasi.

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An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Monday dismissed acquittal pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and two co-accused in the May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case, Express News reported.

Judge Amjad Ali Shah rejected the pleas submitted by Imran Khan, retired Colonel Ajmal Sabir, and Suhail Irfan Abbasi, ruling in favour of the prosecution's arguments.

During the hearing, prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the trial was ongoing, with statements from 12 eyewitnesses already recorded. “At this stage, hearing an acquittal plea is inappropriate. The court should allow the prosecution to present its evidence,” he added.

He further cited precedent, pointing out that Sheikh Rashid’s acquittal plea in a similar case had been rejected by the trial court, a decision later upheld by the high court. The court, agreeing with the prosecution’s arguments, dismissed the acquittal requests of the three accused.

The GHQ attack case relates to violent incidents on May 9, 2023, when protesters stormed and vandalised military installations following Imran Khan’s arrest, triggering widespread unrest across Pakistan.