RAWALPINDI: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Saturday recorded the statements of three additional prosecution witnesses in the case against former prime minister Imran Khan, despite objections from his legal team. The case pertains to violent protests outside the army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) on May 9, 2023.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the matter as defence lawyers once again sought Khan’s in-person appearance, arguing against the continuation of his trial via video link from Adiala Jail. The court, however, proceeded with the testimonies, noting that unless an appellate forum restrained it, the trial could not be halted.
Prosecutor Raja Ikram Ameen Minhas argued that the defence had previously filed a similar application, which was dismissed, and failed to challenge the ruling in the Lahore High Court. He accused the defence of attempting to disrupt proceedings.
The court recorded the testimonies of Tehzeebul Hassan, Asmat Kamal, and Akbar. So far, 44 of the 50 prosecution witnesses have testified, with three more summoned for the next hearing on Sept 30.
The trial has remained contentious since Judge Shah’s September 19 order that hearings be held on court premises, with Khan’s presence marked via video link due to security concerns cited by the Punjab government. Defence lawyers object to this arrangement, insisting Khan should attend in person.
Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, faces multiple cases. He was indicted in December 2023 in the GHQ protest case and formally arrested in January 2024. His arrest on May 9, 2023, had sparked violent nationwide protests, during which state buildings and military sites were attacked.
During Saturday’s hearing, defence lawyers walked out in protest, later telling reporters that video link connectivity issues had hindered fair proceedings. The prosecution expects to complete its evidence next week, after which the defence will begin cross-examination of witnesses.