An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has issued a summons for the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, to appear via video link on January 9 in relation to cases involving the GHQ Gate attack and the Waris Khan arson.
Presided over by Judge Malik Ijaz Asif, the ATC has instructed the jail superintendent to facilitate the accused’s virtual appearance due to security concerns, precluding his physical presence in court.
The court’s written order emphasizes the impossibility of the accused attending in person due to security considerations. Moreover, the order specifies that if deemed necessary by the investigating officer, the accused may be subject to arrest during the scheduled video appearance.
The Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Rawalpindi has disclosed that multiple cases arising from incidents in November have been registered against the accused. The RPO did not explicitly reveal the details of the specific case warranting potential arrest. However, the summoning via video link and the possibility of arrest highlight the gravity with which these cases are being addressed within the framework of the Anti-Terrorism Court.
Pakistan Government Raises Concerns With UK Press Over Essay Linked To Detained Imran Khan
Meanwhile, Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi announced on Friday that the government plans to address a British publication, The Economist, regarding an essay purportedly written by incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. Imran, convicted in the Toshakhana case on August 5, received a three-year sentence, later suspended by the Islamabad High Court on August 28. However, he continues to be in custody due to other pending cases.
The guest essay, allegedly from Imran, expressed skepticism about the upcoming elections, reiterating claims of a regime change under US pressure and labeling the May 9 riots as a “false-flag operation.” An editor’s note in The Economist mentioned denials from the Pakistan government and the US State Department regarding American interference.
