Court Rejects Imran Khan’s Plea for Adjournment in GHQ Attack Case

Rawalpindi: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday dismissed a fresh adjournment plea filed by the legal team of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan in the GHQ attack case. The court, presided over by Judge Syed Amjad Ali Shah, recorded the statements of three prosecution witnesses while rejecting the defense’s request to postpone proceedings.

The court adjourned the hearing until September 30, summoning the final three witnesses, while declaring 71 witnesses unnecessary and releasing them from further appearance. So far, statements of 44 witnesses have been recorded, with cross-examination pending for 13 of them.

Imran Khan’s lawyers once again challenged video-link proceedings, demanding that hearings be halted until the High Court decides on their petition against virtual appearances. Prosecutors opposed the request, terming it a delaying tactic.

During the hearing, security was tightened around the court premises with heavy police deployment, walk-through gates, and a prison van on standby. Attendance of accused persons remained low due to PTI’s Peshawar rally, while technical glitches delayed activation of the video link, prompting the judge to order Adiala Jail authorities to ensure proper arrangements.

Defense lawyers also raised objections to what they called a “WhatsApp trial,” arguing that Khan cannot see his lawyers or witnesses during video-link hearings. They insisted he be presented physically in court or that proceedings be held in an open courtroom inside the jail.

The case involves 119 accused and 119 witnesses, with 41 testimonies recorded so far. Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, exempted from regular attendance, marked his presence briefly before leaving.

Meanwhile, PTI leader Azam Swati appeared in court and told reporters that “terrorists are enemies of the army, the people, and the nation,” vowing that neither the police nor the military would bow to them. He added that the party would proceed to its Peshawar rally after court appearances.