ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has dismissed the acquittal plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub in connection with the May 9 GHQ attack during violent protests. According to reports, the court had reserved its decision after both parties presented their arguments. The court has now officially disposed of the plea.
This development follows Omar Ayub’s resignation as a member of the Judicial Commission. In an official letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayub cited legal challenges arising from an FIR filed against him as the reason for his resignation, which he said would hinder his ability to fulfill his duties on the commission.
The May 9 violence erupted following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who was detained from the Islamabad High Court while attending a hearing in a corruption case. Khan, who served as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, was accused of receiving illegal gifts and assets from foreign countries. His arrest triggered widespread protests and riots across Pakistan. PTI supporters and workers clashed with police, attacked military and civil installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Jinnah House in Lahore, and the Mianwali airbase, and engaged in widespread vandalism, including burning vehicles and blocking roads.
In the aftermath, more than 5,000 people were arrested and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and other laws for their roles in the violence. The government also accused Imran Khan of masterminding the attacks, claiming to have evidence of his involvement.
