By Zubair
Lahore
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday directed prison authorities to produce Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan before the court at the next hearing in connection with the March 2023 Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) vandalism case. Special Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who presided over the proceedings, instructed the administration of Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi to present the incarcerated former prime minister either in person or via a secure video link on November 5.
The directive came as the court addressed persistent procedural delays in the high-profile case registered at Ramna Police Station. The prosecution case stems from clashes that erupted outside the Federal Judicial Complex in Islamabad when Imran Khan arrived to attend a hearing in the Toshakhana reference, leading to charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) alongside provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code related to public disorder, property damage, and obstruction of law enforcement.
Senior PTI Figures Declared Proclaimed Offenders
During the same hearing, Judge Sipra took stern notice of the repeated failure of several co-accused to join judicial proceedings despite successive summons and proclamations. The court formally declared four senior political figures—former federal ministers Farrukh Habib, Hammad Azhar, and Murad Saeed, along with former senator Shibli Faraz—as proclaimed offenders.
To enforce the ruling, the trial court ordered law enforcement and revenue authorities to compile and submit comprehensive details regarding the movable and immovable properties of the declared proclaimed offenders. The court also issued non-bailable warrants of arrest for former Punjab Assembly deputy speaker Wasiq Qayyum and party leader Hassan Khan Niazi, instructing police to execute the warrants without delay.
Trial Proceedings and Security Considerations
Counsel representing the defense requested the court to expedite production arrangements, submitting that the continued physical detention of the party founder at Adiala Jail should not hinder his statutory right to participate in pending trial proceedings. Public prosecutors countered that logistical and security considerations surrounding prisoner movement necessitated coordinated security protocols between Islamabad Police and the Punjab Prisons Department.
Judge Sipra made clear that statutory trial timelines must be upheld and that non-appearance of accused persons would not be permitted to stall judicial adjudication indefinitely. The court directed both the prosecution and jail superintendents to ensure full compliance ahead of the November 5 date, when charges are scheduled to be framed.
For ongoing coverage of national judicial developments, constitutional matters, and legal affairs, explore INPK Politics and follow comprehensive nationwide updates at INPK News.