ISLAMABAD – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for three prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders—Omar Ayub, Sheikh Waqas Akram, and Zartaj Gul—in connection with the Sangjani rally case.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the law enforcement agencies to arrest the three political figures and ensure their production before the court.
The court demonstrated strict adherence to judicial protocol by rejecting Omar Ayub’s plea for exemption from appearance. The court specifically noted that none of the accused individuals had appeared even once during the ongoing proceedings of the case.
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The PTI leaders were represented in the court by their legal counsel, including advocates Sardar Masroof, Amna Ali, and Murtaza Turi. Following the issuance of the warrants, the court adjourned the next hearing of the case until October 20.
The development follows similar legal action against Omar Ayub and other party members in different regions. Earlier in July, an anti-terrorism court in Sargodha had issued arrest warrants for 57 named accused, including the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, in a May 9 riots case. The Sargodha court had issued those warrants due to the non-appearance of the accused for final arguments after witness testimonies were completed.