Anti-terrorism court issues arrest warrants for 31 co-accused PTI members who failed to appear in court today
Former Pakistan prime minister and opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is scheduled to be formally indicted on October 19 in connection with the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) on May 9, 2023.
PTI supporters have been accused of attacking and vandalizing government and military installations on May 9, 2023, following the former premier's brief arrest that day in a corruption case.
The incident occurred just over a year after Khan's contentious split with Pakistan’s influential military, which he accused of conspiring with his opponents to remove him from power during a parliamentary vote in April 2022. The military has denied these allegations.
Khan has been imprisoned since August of last year on multiple charges, and his party, along with his legal team, has been working to secure his release. The former ruling party also organized a protest march to the federal capital to demand the release of its leader and the proposed constitutional amendments.
During the hearing of an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad today, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, arrest warrants were issued for 31 co-accused PTI members who failed to appear in court.
Other co-accused include senior leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, Sadaqat Abbasi, Amjad Niazi, and Usman Dar, who were present among other co-accused. Copies of the charge sheet were distributed, and the court announced October 19 as the formal indictment date.
Supporters of Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan throw stones at police during a protest against Khan's arrest, in Peshawar, Pakistan, May 10, 2023.
Reuters
Possibility of military trial
Last month, the former prime minister sought court protection from potentially being handed over to Pakistan’s military for trial in connection with the May 9 riots cases.
The incarcerated ex-PM approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and named several government officials as respondents. They include secretaries of law and interior, and the federal government.
Khan's legal team argued that transferring him to military custody would violate his fundamental rights and undermine the rule of law. The petition also challenges the legality of any potential trial by court-martial, citing a Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
It said that reports have been circulating on television, print, and social media that the former premier will be shifted to the custody of army authorities in connection with the cases regarding the events of May 9 and May 10.
It was noted that many observers and commentators believe the army might take Imran into custody and try him before a court martial.
The petition also mentions reports that a retired senior army officer — former intelligence chief Faiz Hameed — may have been taken into military custody and could be used as an approver against Imran Khan.
Govt undecided on military trial
Responding to the IHC, the Pakistani government confirmed on September 24, that it had not made any decision regarding a military trial of the incarcerated ex-premier.
The Additional Attorney General stated that if such a trial is decided, the case would first be sent to a civil magistrate.
Following the government’s confirmation, the court dismissed Khan’s petition in which he sought orders for his custody to remain with civil authorities.
May 9 riots
On May 9, 2023, Pakistan was rocked by widespread unrest after Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court. His arrest led to massive protests by PTI supporters across major cities, resulting in violent clashes, attacks on military installations, and extensive property damage.
A boy rides past a paramilitary checkpost that was set afire by supporters of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Karachi, Pakistan, May 9, 2023.Reuters
The government responded with a crackdown on protesters, and the arrest of scores, including senior PTI leaders. The Pakistan military condemned the attacks on its installations, warning of severe consequences.
Commenting on the riots a year later, the ex-premier termed them a "rebellion against the state", while the military’s media wing stressed that holding the “true culprits of the May 9 riots accountable” was crucial to prevent any future disrespect towards the nation's heroes.
“Ensuring that the real perpetrators of May 9 are brought to justice is essential so that no one dares to dishonor the memory of our heroes or the symbols of our unity through such unacceptable actions in the future,” the ISPR stated.
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