ATC Issues Detailed Order Against DIG Operations Over Alleged Non-Compliance in PTI November 26 Protest Case

ISLAMABAD: An important development has emerged in the case regarding alleged non-compliance with court orders by DIG Operations Javad Tariq during proceedings related to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) November 26 protest case, as an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad issued a detailed written order.

In the order issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, the court observed that, prima facie, the DIG Operations had violated court directives and that sufficient material existed on record to initiate proceedings against him.

The court noted that the investigating officer had repeatedly been directed to submit a complete challan (charge sheet), but the instructions were not implemented, preventing the commencement of the trial.

According to the written order, legal proceedings could not move forward because the interim challan failed to clearly define the legal status of the accused persons. The court stated that DIG Operations had been legally bound to ensure submission of the challan but failed to fulfill that responsibility.

The order further revealed that during the previous hearing, a notice under Section 37 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) had been issued to the DIG Operations, requiring him to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him. However, he neither appeared before the court nor submitted a written response.

The court has now issued a final notice directing him to submit a written explanation before the next hearing and clarify his position regarding the alleged non-compliance.

The order also stated that an interim challan had been submitted with the names of Sohail Afridi, Junaid Akbar, and Abdul Ghani placed in Column No. 2 due to their wanted status in the case.

Additionally, the court was informed that the investigating officer had been replaced. The newly appointed investigation officer assured the court that all judicial directives would be fully implemented and that a detailed challan would be submitted at the earliest opportunity.

The court adjourned further proceedings until July 6 and directed the relevant authorities to submit a progress report at the next hearing.