LAHORE: On Saturday, an antiterrorism court (ATC) in Lahore revoked the non-bailable arrest warrants issued for PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb, who appeared in court regarding a terrorism case filed against her in 2022. The ATC previously issued the warrants on Nov 25 due to her repeated non-attendance at hearings related to the case.
The case, registered on Sep 19, 2022, implicated Aurangzeb and senior PML-N leader Javed Latif for allegedly “using religion to instill and spread hatred” against PTI chief and former prime minister Imran Khan, with PTI’s Parvez Elahi serving as chief minister at the time.
The case was initiated based on a citizen’s complaint, an imam of a local mosque, who observed disturbing accusations against Imran Khan in a press conference by PML-N’s Latif.
Aurangzeb and Javed Latif, accompanied by their legal team, appeared before the court, presided over by ATC Judge Abher Gul Khan. The court directed authorities to provide a copy of the Islamabad High Court order regarding the plea of nominated suspects.
Responding to Aurangzeb’s plea for acquittal, the court instructed both the prosecutor and the defendant’s counsel to present their arguments during the next hearing, scheduled for January 6.
After the hearing, Aurangzeb asserted that Imran Khan concocted baseless cases against her and other opposition politicians. She called for Khan’s response to corruption allegations in the Al Qadir Trust case, emphasizing that the PTI leader, now incarcerated, needed to address these accusations.
The case’s FIR detailed Latif’s accusations against Imran Khan, alleging support for the Ahmadiyya community and attacking the basic principles of Islam. The complainant argued that Latif’s remarks were made to incite followers and create a law and order situation, accusing him of acting at the behest of party leadership, including Aurangzeb, to spread religious hatred against Imran Khan.
Nawaz Sharif Advocates Peaceful Diplomacy PMLN’s Election Preparations
PMLN leader Nawaz Sharif emphasized his stance against war with India during the Kargil conflict, stating that time has vindicated his position. Expressing his vision for improved regional ties, he pledged to enhance relations with neighboring countries if re-elected.
Reflecting on his past leadership, Nawaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s economic prosperity under his rule until 2017, attributing subsequent economic challenges to a perceived inexperienced successor.
Asserting his commitment to national dignity, he cited bold decisions such as the 1998 nuclear tests. Sharif stressed the importance of amicable relations with neighbors, underscoring the need to cultivate positive ties with India, Afghanistan, and Iran while reinforcing connections with China.
