ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad on Tuesday summoned all accused linked to the November 26 protest organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for indictment, following the submission of challans in five related cases.

The court has fixed May 20 as the date for the indictment.

During the hearing on Tuesday, police submitted challans in five cases before the ATC, and copies pertaining to two cases registered with Secretariat police station were distributed among the accused. Summons notices were also issued in connection with cases lodged with the Secretariat, Karachi Company and Tarnol police stations.

The court adjourned the hearing in the third Secretariat police station case till June 12, the Tarnol police station case till June 17and Karachi Company case till June 19.

Meanwhile, in related legal developments, the district and sessions courts have reserved verdicts on acquittal petitions in two cases filed against PTI leader Asad Qaiser, while arguments are still underway in two others.

On Monday, Judicial Magistrate Azhar Nadeem heard the cases registered against Asad Qaiser at the Industrial Area and Sangjani police stations.

Qaiser appeared in court alongside his legal counsel, Ayesha Khalid, who argued that her client had no prior criminal record, was not present at the scene, and that no recovery had been made from him. She emphasised that the charges were politically motivated. The court reserved its judgement on Qaiser’s acquittal petitions in these two cases, with a verdict expected on June 23.

Separately, Asad Qaiser also appeared before Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah in another case registered with Kohsar police station. His lawyer presented initial arguments seeking acquittal. The court adjourned the hearing of that case till May 24.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2025