Dear reader, online ads enable us to deliver the journalism you value. Please support us by taking a moment to
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a 2014 case pertaining to the alleged torture of a police official.
In 2014, Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek Chairman Tahirul Qadri staged a major rally in Islamabad against alleged rigging in the 2013 election and the Model Town tragedy, which had seen as many as 14 people killed and 100 others injured when police attacked Qadri's residence during an 'anti-encroachment' operation.
During the Islamabad sit-in, then Senior Superintendent Police Islamabad Asmatullah Junejo was severely beaten up by a group of violent protesters on Constitution Avenue as they stormed the Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters and the precincts of the Parliament on September 1, 2014. Subsequently, a case was registered against Khan, Qadri, and others for the torture of Junejo and five other police officers. Arrest warrants had also been issued against the two leaders.
Also read: 'Holding a public gathering is not terrorism': Imran appears before Islamabad ATC
On Friday, the court in its brief ruling on an acquittal plea filed by Khan in the case ordered his acquittal. ATC Judge Shahrukh Arjumand said: "You are discharged from the case."
"Thanks a lot," Khan responded.
The court had reserved its verdict on April 13 after hearing arguments from both sides and set April 25 as the date for delivering the verdict. Khan, however, did not appear, so the court postponed the verdict to May 4.
In November 2017, ATC judge Shahrukh Arjuman granted bail to the PTI chief against surety bonds worth Rs200,000 in the case after he unexpectedly appeared before the court. Khan had previously been declared an absconder on November 14, 2014, for not appearing before the ATC.
Comments (26) Closed
Now he is ready to be made the prime minister. Thank you Aliens for preparing the ground.
very good decision
A good decision - justice prevailed!
No one did anything to the SSP he was beaten up by aliens after all this is Pakistan. Justice served
untouchables
So obvious. Shame
This is very unfortunate that people who resist & fight against mafia are made to face cases in ATC .... good decision at last ....
Very good decision for Pakistan
Justice served. Thanks a lot
Great decision by court
I don’t know why Indians are so anti PTI what our domestic politics have to do with them? Just wondering
@BhaRAT because they indian love NS as he is best friend of modi jee
@A Voter: Was there any case registered against Nawaz and Shahbaz when PML-N supports attached judiciary in 1990s? If so what happened to the case?
If IK is innocent than who incited protesters to beat SSP??
Excellent decision by the judiciary, not only will it exonerate PTI and absolve it of any wrong doing, it will also be the first nail in the coffin of Pakistan and the beginning of its end.
Good work. Keep it up.
In pakistan everything is possible, No need to be wonder.
Be prepare for unexpected in Rao Anwar case.
How can he be acquitted after remaining absconder from law since 2014?
@BhaRAT, the Indians commenting here are from Indian media cells, always commenting in favor of PML to protect Indian investment in NawazSharif.
@Shuaib who is? imran??
@Hafeez who is ssp?
@Anti-Corruption_Pakistani What kind of Justice is this for the Police Officer?
@SkyHawk What kind of Justice is this for the police officer. Is this to be expected in Imran Khan govt.
14 people died and 100 injured in Model town mass murder case every one knows the PMLN especially punjab leaders were involved but there is not a one case against them but if one protest against rigging one have to be humiliated in ATC. Do not know who torture SSP but a blind person can tell Imran Khan was not involved
@Hafeez The same incited the SSP torture who incited the Model Town killings.
@Tashfeen Qayyum That’s true brother there’s a propaganda cell of India which spread hate and propaganda about Pakistan