PTI Leaders Declared Absconders in Judicial Complex Attack Case

In a significant development, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Murad Saeed, Hammad Azhar, and Farrukh Habib absconders in relation to the attacks on the Judicial Complex. The court’s decision came after noting the continuous absence of the accused from proceedings.

The case, registered at Ramna police station, was heard by ATC Judge Tahir Zafar Supra. In the absence of the accused, the court issued their absconder status and ordered arrest warrants for other missing suspects, including Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and Raja Basharat. The case hearing has been adjourned until April 7.

The incidents that led to these legal proceedings occurred on March 1 and March 18, 2023. On March 1, PTI workers allegedly stormed the Judicial Complex in Islamabad when PTI founder Imran Khan arrived for a court appearance. The mob reportedly caused significant damage to the premises, leading to the arrest of 29 individuals, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police personnel and private guards who had been assigned to Mr. Khan.

A second incident occurred on March 18, when PTI workers once again entered the Judicial Complex during Imran Khan’s appearance in the Toshakhana case. This led to further disruption, prompting the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to register a case against Imran Khan, PTI President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, and several other PTI leaders for their involvement in the riots.

The court’s latest decision marks an important step in the legal proceedings regarding these violent protests, as the authorities intensify efforts to hold those responsible accountable.