An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Wednesday indicted several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in connection with the Faizabad protest held after the disqualification of Imran Khan.
During proceedings presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, PTI leaders Faisal Javed Khan, Amir Kiani, Wasiq Qayyum, and others appeared before the court. Despite defence lawyers requesting a delay, the court proceeded to frame charges, to which all accused pleaded not guilty.
The judge commented on frequent delays in legal processes, stating that if the belief is trials never proceed, perhaps they should be deemed unnecessary.
Defence counsel Sardar Masroof argued the charges were politically motivated, but the court noted that acquittal pleas had already been dismissed. Separately, PTI leader Raja Rashid Hafeez was ordered to submit Rs1 million in surety bonds before leaving the courtroom.
The hearing was adjourned until May 12, with prosecution witnesses summoned.
In a related case, Judge Sipra also extended interim pre-arrest bail for PTI MNAs Sajid Khan, Fazal Muhammad Khan, and Asif Khan in matters linked to the November 26 protest. Bail hearings for other accused are set for May 5, when all related cases will now be heard together.