Lawyers Refuse to Participate in Proceedings Until Meeting with Imran Khan Is Allowed; ATC Adjourns May 9 GHQ Attack Case

Rawalpindi: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday adjourned the hearing of the May 9 GHQ attack case until January 20.

During the hearing, defense lawyers stated that they would not participate in the court proceedings until they are granted access to meet the PTI founder, Imran Khan. The court provided the defense with a copy of the Punjab government’s notification regarding the video-link trial of the PTI founder. The ATC also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for all accused who were absent from the hearing and adjourned the case to the next date.

Imran Khan’s counsel, Faisal Malik, appeared before the court, while Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah attended along with his team. The defense requested the court to allow a meeting with the PTI founder in jail, stating that they needed to obtain instructions from him regarding the cases.

In response, Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the PTI founder is on bail in the May 9 GHQ attack case and is not in the custody of this court. He added that Imran Khan has now been convicted in other cases, and therefore the defense should approach the relevant forum. He further stated that a convicted prisoner is under the custody of the jail superintendent, who also holds the authority to grant visitation.

It is pertinent to note that the Punjab government had issued a notification on October 30, 2025, allowing the video-link trial in the May 9 GHQ attack case. The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah.