PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub Khan, Raja Basharat, and Ahmed Chattha, were taken to the anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Adiala Jail after a two-hour delay. These arrests come as the military and judiciary tighten their grip on those implicated in the GHQ riot case, a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s recent political unrest.
Delay in Court Appearance Sparks Contempt Action
The ATC had ordered police to produce the accused by 7:30 PM on Thursday. However, the police failed to comply, prompting Judge Amjad Ali Shah to issue a contempt notice against Saddar Superintendent of Police Nabeel Ahmed Khokhar. The judge demanded his appearance in court by 9 AM on Friday.
The accused PTI leaders were reportedly arrested earlier in the day from Adiala Jail, where they attended a hearing to indict PTI founder Imran Khan and others for the events of May 9, 2023. PTI lawyer Ghulam Husnain Murtaza argued that the arrests occurred unlawfully on the jail premises.
Charges Against PTI Leadership
On Thursday, an ATC indicted Imran Khan and 100 others on charges of terrorism, sedition, arson, sabotage, and conspiracy. All accused denied the charges. Prosecutors argue that the May 9 events, including the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, were systematically planned to destabilize the state and incite rebellion within the military.
Special Public Prosecutor Zaheer Shah stated that the violent acts were politically motivated, resembling tactics used by terrorist organizations. He noted that the GHQ attack gained international media coverage, with Indian media leading the reports, further highlighting the incident’s far-reaching impact.
May 9 Riots: A Day of Chaos
The May 9 riots erupted following Imran Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court premises. The unrest resulted in widespread violence across the country. Protesters targeted military installations and public buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s House and the GHQ.
The riots caused significant damage, with an estimated loss of Rs2.5 billion. The Punjab Home Department’s July 2023 report detailed the destruction of 102 vehicles and 26 buildings. At least 10 lives were lost, and over 40 public and military sites were damaged.
The military has labeled the events as a coordinated effort by PTI leadership to undermine the state, asserting that the attacks were premeditated to achieve political objectives.
Read: KP Governor Criticizes PTI Over Boycott of Multi-Party Conference
State’s Response and Indictments
In response to the riots, authorities have aggressively pursued legal action. Over 143 individuals, including prominent PTI figures, are named in the GHQ riot case. The court has already convicted 10 individuals and declared 23 others absconders.
The hearing has been adjourned until December 10, with the state emphasizing that these events represent a direct attack on Pakistan’s security and stability.
PTI Condemns Arrests
The PTI issued a statement criticizing the arrests, accusing the state of imposing “undeclared martial law.” The party remains vocal against what it describes as unjust actions targeting its leaders and supporters.
The May 9 riots continue to shape Pakistan’s political landscape, with implications for civil-military relations and the country’s internal security.
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