An Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad issued arrest warrants for 50 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, including former President Arif Alvi, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan, over their failure to appear in a case linked to last year’s protest on November 26, 2024.
The court, led by Judge Abual Hasanat Mohammad Zulqarnain, noted the accused had ignored multiple summons and ordered their arrest.
Senior Party Figures Among Those Named
The case, registered at Karachi Company Police Station, initially named nine individuals. The list now includes 41 more prominent PTI members. Those newly added include:
- Senators Shibli Faraz, Azam Swati, and Faisal Javed
- Former Speaker Asad Qaiser
- Lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Shoaib Shaheen
- Former ministers Murad Saeed, Hammad Azhar, and MNA Omar Ayub
- PTI Information Secretary Raoof Hassan
The court move follows repeated absences despite prior notices.
Rawalpindi Court Took Similar Action Last Week
This is the second major court action tied to the November 26 protests. A Rawalpindi ATC previously issued warrants for Arif Alvi, Bushra Bibi (Imran Khan’s wife), and other top PTI figures. Judge Amjad Shah also cited consistent non-compliance with court proceedings.
Several of the accused remain untraceable, as per court documents.
PTI Leaders Jailed In May 9 Riots Case
Separately, a Faisalabad ATC on Thursday handed down 10-year jail terms to several PTI leaders for their roles in the May 9, 2023, riots, sparked by Imran Khan’s arrest.
Convicted leaders include-
- Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul
- Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, nephew of Sheikh Rashid
- SIC leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza
The court heard cases filed at Ghulam Muhammadabad and Civil Lines police stations, convicting 108 individuals and acquitting 77.
Among those cleared of charges were Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi, and Khayal Kastro. PTI lawmaker Junaid Afzal Sahi received a 3-year sentence.
Other convicted names include-
Rai Hassan Nawaz, Chaudhry Bilal Ijaz, Kanwal Shauzab, Farkhunda Kokab, Mohammad Ahmad Chattha, and Mehr Muhammad Javed
Background
The May 9 unrest followed Imran Khan’s arrest, triggering violent protests nationwide. Several military installations, including the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, were attacked. The crackdown on PTI leaders continues through coordinated legal actions across multiple cities.
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