An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad issued arrest warrants for senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders Omar Ayub, Sheikh Waqas Akram and Zartaj Gul in connection with the Sangjani rally case.
Judge Tahir Abbas Supra of the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) heard the case on Monday and ordered police to arrest the three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and produce them before the court.
During the proceedings, the court rejected Omar Ayub’s request for exemption from personal appearance. “These individuals have not appeared even once in this case,” the judge remarked.
PTI leaders were represented in court by advocates Sardar Muhammad Masroor Khan, Amna Ali and Murtaza Turi. The ATC adjourned further proceedings in the case until October 20.
Read More: ATC issues arrest warrants for PTI leaders
The case stems from a rally held by PTI in Islamabad’s Sangjani area in September last year, organised to demand the release of its jailed founder, Imran Khan. The former prime minister has been in custody since August 5, 2023, facing multiple charges, including terrorism and corruption.
Police in Islamabad had filed three cases against the PTI leadership for failing to conclude a rally on time, pelting stones on police officers, and violating designated routes. The cases were registered under the Public Order and Peace Act, following the PTI’s public gathering.
The first case was lodged at Sangjani Police Station for the rally exceeding its permitted time limit. A second case was registered at Sumbal Police Station for violating the pre-approved route by leading convoys through Sadaat Colony and Srinagar Highway.
The third case, filed at Noon Police Station, pertains to stone-pelting on law enforcement officials, including senior superintendent of police (SSP) Safe City and other officers.
