ATC rejects Imran Khan’s pleas in GHQ attack case

RAWALPINDI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday dismissed two applications filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in the May 9 GHQ attack case, while his defence lawyers once again boycotted the proceedings.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing, during which Khan was connected to the courtroom via WhatsApp link. His counsels, Faisal Malik and Salman Akram Raja, appeared on his behalf, while special prosecutors Zaheer Shah and Ikram Amin Minhas represented the state.

The court rejected Khan’s plea seeking a transcript of the September 19 video-link proceedings as well as a request for a prior consultation with his lawyers before the trial. The judge remarked that a schedule for lawyer-client meetings had already been set and that neither the video-link proceedings could be halted nor additional meetings allowed.

Defence arguments

During the hearing, lawyer Faisal Malik argued that the defence could not participate in the trial without first being allowed to consult their client. He insisted that WhatsApp communication could not be equated with a proper video link and maintained that they had already challenged the mode of trial before the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Malik also urged the court to suspend proceedings until the IHC decided on their plea for a jail trial. The defence further contended that denying Khan adequate consultation was a violation of his constitutional right to a fair trial.

Lawyer Salman Akram Raja argued that courts must act according to the Constitution, not government directives. He added that presenting a defendant held in solitary confinement through a WhatsApp call was unacceptable. Raja emphasised that the defence was not seeking delay but rather due process, noting that speedy trial should not come at the expense of justice.

Prosecution stance

Prosecutors Zaheer Shah and Ikram Amin Minhas strongly opposed the defence requests, claiming that the defence had already boycotted earlier proceedings and was now filing fresh applications to stall the trial.

They contended that the trial court was under no obligation to provide transcripts or video footage, pointing out that under Lahore High Court directions, such material could not be shared. The prosecution insisted that the defence was attempting to “play to the media” instead of seriously engaging with the trial.

Courtroom proceedings

The judge observed that Khan had been connected in earlier hearings but had chosen to deliver speeches rather than engage with the proceedings. He reminded the defence that the trial court was bound by high court directions and could not alter them.

After a recess, Khan was again connected via WhatsApp link. The court permitted his lawyers to consult him, but due to poor audio and unclear visuals, the defence boycotted the proceedings once more. Both Faisal Malik and Salman Akram Raja walked out of the courtroom.

With Khan and his defence absent, the court proceeded to record statements of eight prosecution witnesses, including Nadir Khan (Additional Director PEMRA), FIA technical assistants Aneesur Rehman and Muhammad Imran, PID deputy directors Muhammad Tariq and Hasnain Wazir, former Islamabad AC Muhammad Abdullah, journalist Irshad Bhatti, and Bilal Ahmed (Section Officer, Interior Ministry).

The court adjourned the hearing of GHQ attack case until September 27 after recording the witnesses’ testimonies. So far, statements of 41 prosecution witnesses have been completed. The court also dropped SI Tasadduq, a key witness who has left the country, from the witness list.

Ten government witnesses were present during Tuesday’s proceedings, and more have been summoned for the next hearing.