The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi rejected applications filed by PTI founder Imran Khan’s lawyers in the GHQ gate attack case on Tuesday. The defense had requested a pause in court proceedings until the high court decides on transferring the jail trial.
Lawyers also sought access to CCTV footage of the September 19 hearing. Presiding Judge Amjad Ali Shah stated that court proceedings could not be stopped without explicit orders from the high court. Multiple applications, including requests for footage and a stay of proceedings, were dismissed.
During the hearing, lawyer Salman Akram Raja raised concerns over the practice of presenting detainees via WhatsApp video call, calling it unconstitutional. Judge Shah replied that such issues should be challenged in the high court and emphasized that the trial must continue.
Imran Khan appeared briefly via WhatsApp video call, while the defense team boycotted the proceedings citing inaudible and unclear audio. Public prosecutors argued that the defense aimed to delay and disrupt the case, wasting court time.
Despite the boycott, the ATC recorded statements from eight prosecution witnesses. Three additional witnesses have been summoned for the next hearing scheduled on September 27. Authorities stressed that judicial procedures cannot be halted, and any objections regarding trial methods should be addressed through proper legal channels.
The GHQ gate attack case continues to attract significant attention due to the involvement of high-profile figures. The ATC reiterated the importance of following legal procedures while ensuring a fair trial for all parties.
Officials confirmed that the court will continue its proceedings diligently, and security measures remain in place to facilitate a smooth judicial process. The GHQ gate attack case remains under close observation by the legal community and the public alike.
This case highlights ongoing judicial efforts to balance procedural fairness with timely legal action in high-profile terrorism-related trials in Pakistan.
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