Islamabad (Staff Report): An Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday rejected Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s plea, seeking exemption from appearance in violence cases related to 2014 sit-in.
Khan had submitted two petitions in the court seeking acquittal and exemption from appearance.
ATC Judge Shahrukh Arjumand heard a case regarding injuring SSP Asmatullah Junejor in an attack in Red Zone during 2014 sit-in.
As the hearing began, the PTI chief had termed the cases undemocratic, adding that holding the public gathering was not terrorism. The ATC judge remarked that the cases will be handled according to law.
The judge also directed Khan’s counsel to give copies of the recent pleas to the prosecution.
The counsel for PTI chief pleaded the court to take up the acquittal plea before the indictment of his client.
The judge adjourned the case until Feb 26, saying the PTI head will have to appear in the court until exemption plea is accepted.
The anti-terrorism court is hearing four cases – attack on the state television building, Parliament and Junejo – against PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek leaders.
In August 2014, Khan and Tahirul Qadri took to streets in Islamabad against alleged rigging in 2013 general elections and Model Town sit-in. The protest had continued for 104 days.
During the sit-in, the protesters beat up SSP Asmatullah Junejo on Constitution Avenue when they attacked the Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters and the parts of the Parliament.