Trial begins in May 9 case as Khan calls for Pakistan-wide protests

The trial of a high-profile case involving attacks on Pakistan’s military installations began on Wednesday in a specially designated courtroom at Central Prison Adiala in Rawalpindi, overseen by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, was produced in court for the hearing of May 9, 2023, General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case. Other accused individuals, including Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Fawad Chaudhry, and Raja Basharat, also appeared.

Four prosecution witnesses testified during the hearing. Among them were ASI Saqib and constables Shakeel, Sajjad, and Yasir from the Rawalpindi police. The prosecution presented evidence recovered from the scene, including a helmet taken from the anti-riot force, petrol bombs, broken statues, cell phones, PTI flags, caps, batons, wires, and matchboxes.

One recovered cell phone, reportedly seized on May 9, 2023, was found powered on in the courtroom, raising eyebrows. Witnesses identified several accused individuals, including Raja Basharat, as leading and inciting the mob.

“Raja Basharat led the protests outside GHQ and called for avenging Imran Khan's arrest by targeting the army,” one witness testified.

The courtroom was packed with lawyers, media representatives, and the accused. Heated exchanges between prosecution and defense teams disrupted proceedings, prompting the judge to use a sound system to maintain order.

The hearing was adjourned until January 18, with five more prosecution witnesses summoned.

Outside the courtroom, Fawad Chaudhry told reporters, “I don’t know my crime or the charges against me. The judge has framed charges against everyone jointly.”

Chaudhry revealed that Imran Khan had declared February 8 a “black day” and called for nationwide protests. “All PTI ticket holders have been ordered to stage protests on that day,” he said.

Defense lawyer Faisal Chaudhry criticized the trial, alleging it lacked fairness. “There isn’t a single private prosecution witness. All witnesses are government employees,” he claimed, adding that some witnesses provided dubious testimonies.

Faisal also accused authorities of targeting Imran Khan and his party through politically motivated trials. He alleged that the May 9 attacks were a “false flag operation” aimed at suppressing dissent.

The defense called on the Supreme Court to intervene and ensure the protection of civil rights, accusing the judiciary of bias. Imran Khan reportedly described the May 9 incidents as orchestrated and reiterated his claim of being targeted for political reasons.