The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad held another hearing in the Faizabad protest case, but once again, the prosecution failed to record witness statements. The case relates to a protest held following the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
The hearing was presided over by ATC Judge Abual-Hasanat Zulqarnain. Several accused individuals, including PTI leader Aamir Kiani, appeared before the court. After attendance was marked, the court adjourned the proceedings due to the prosecution’s inability to present further witness statements.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur remains listed as a proclaimed offender. His status has not yet been revoked by the court, and he was absent from the hearing.
According to court records, charges have already been framed against a number of PTI leaders in this case. These include Senator Faisal Javed and former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Wasiq Qayyum. They are facing charges related to their alleged roles in the Faizabad protest, which took place after Imran Khan’s disqualification.
So far, only three witness statements have been officially recorded. The prosecution was expected to continue this process in the latest hearing but was unable to do so. The court has now scheduled the next session, where more witnesses are expected to appear and provide testimony. Cross-examination will also take place during that hearing.
The case stems from an FIR registered at Islamabad’s Industrial Area police station against Ali Amin Gandapur and several other PTI members and supporters. The charges relate to violent protests and disruptions that allegedly occurred during demonstrations in the Faizabad area.
Context: May 9 Riots and Political Fallout
The protest at Faizabad followed a series of political developments, most notably the disqualification of Imran Khan and other PTI lawmakers by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The disqualifications were based on convictions related to the May 9 riots.
The ECP invoked Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution to disqualify multiple PTI leaders. This clause bars individuals convicted of certain offenses from holding parliamentary office. The disqualification notifications were issued after an ATC in Faisalabad sentenced various PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in connection with the riots.
Those disqualified include:
- Omar Ayub – Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly
- Shibli Faraz – Senate Opposition Leader
- Zartaj Gul – National Assembly member
- Rai Haider Ali, Hamid Raza, and Rai Hassan Nawaz – PTI/SIC leaders
- Ansar Iqbal, Junaid Afzal Sahi, and Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal – Provincial Assembly members
These disqualifications have further intensified political tensions between the PTI and the ruling coalition. PTI leaders have repeatedly called the cases politically motivated, while government officials argue they are holding rioters accountable for damaging public and private property.
Internal disagreements are beginning to surface within PTI, especially regarding the timing of its future political moves. Full details on the protest movement rifts here.
