IHC issues notices in May 9 attack case

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices to all parties involved in appeals challenging the convictions in the Ramna police station attack case of May 9, and directed them to submit responses by June 19.

A division bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Azam Khan heard the appeals against the 10-year imprisonment sentence handed down to Sohail Khan and others.

Advocate Babar Awan, Sardar Bushak, Advocate Amina Ali and others appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Babar Awan argued that those who were sentenced were not nominated in the case, adding that peaceful rallies are allowed.

Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro said that notices are given on appeals.

The lawyer requested that notice be given of the short date, all the sentences have been given and it has also been said that identification has not been done. He said no one was injured, died or kidnapped in the case, yet it has been labelled as terrorism.

He said that according to the police, two sticks were recovered from the accused on May 9.

According to the FIR, the accused had sticks, PTI flags and firearms. Babar Awan said that according to the case, the enraged accused attacked the Ramna police station. His client's name is not mentioned anywhere in this case.

The court inquired how long the accused have been in custody? The lawyer said that the clients were on bail. He was arrested from the court after anti-terrorism court announced the verdict.

The court issued notice and adjourned the hearing till June 19. The anti-terrorism court had sentenced the accused in the Ramna police station attack case.