ATC Islamabad Bars Arrest of PTI Leaders Till June 24 in Protest-Related Cases

Islamabad:An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has restrained authorities from arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders till June 24 in connection with cases filed over the November 26 and Supreme Court protests.

The court heard 161 pre-arrest bail applications submitted by PTI leaders. Duty Judge Tahir Abbas of ATC No. 1 presided over the session. Prominent PTI figures, including Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senators Falak Naz and Shibli Faraz, MNAs Asif Khan, Sajid Khan, Latif Khosa, Sher Ali Arbab, and former AJK Prime Minister Abdul Qayyum Niazi, were in attendance.

The judge noted that while charge sheets for the cases have been received, bail confirmations were pending. The court adjourned the proceedings and extended the interim bail of all applicants till June 24.

During the hearing, Latif Khosa argued that he had already joined the investigation and submitted relevant documents, stating that he was in the National Assembly when the FIR was registered.

Advocate Ali Bukhari pointed out selective targeting by authorities, urging the court to ensure all accused are treated equally based on their presence at the scene.

PTI’s Sher Afzal Marwat voiced frustration over prolonged legal delays, saying, “These cases make no legal sense—either approve our bails or reject them. The state has criminalized merely passing by a police station.”

Separately, former First Lady Bushra Bibi filed applications for exemption from court appearances in 10 cases. Other PTI members including Ali Shah, Salman Akram Raja, Zartaj Gul, and Sheryar Afridi also sought exemptions.

In total, PTI leaders face 10 FIRs registered across various Islamabad police stations including Kohsar, Margalla, Aabpara, and Secretariat.

The political tension remains high as PTI leaders continue to face legal challenges stemming from protests and alleged violations.