ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday issued notices in appeals filed against the convictions in the Ramna police station attack and siege case, linked to the events of May 9.

A division bench comprising Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Mohammad Azam Khan heard the case and sought responses from all relevant parties. The hearing was adjourned until June 19.

The appeals were filed against the 10-year sentences handed down to PTI member National Assembly Abdul Latif and other convicts in connection with the violent protests that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan from the IHC premises on May 9, 2023.

Appearing on behalf of the appellants, senior lawyer and PTI leader Dr Babar Awan argued that the convictions were flawed and based on insufficient evidence.

“Those who have been sentenced were not nominated in the case. No identification was done. Peaceful rallies are a democratic right, and there were no reports of injury, death, or kidnapping,” Awan told the court. “According to police, only two sticks were recovered from the accused.”

He further stated that his clients’ names were not mentioned in the FIR and questioned the basis for applying terrorism charges.

“The Anti-Terrorism Act cannot be used against protests. Even the Supreme Court has ruled that a peaceful gathering cannot be classified as terrorism,” he said, referring to the Ghulam Hussain case.

Justice Soomro inquired about the custody status of the convicts. Awan responded that his client had been on bail but was arrested from the courtroom after the verdict was announced.

“The leader of the country’s largest political party was forcibly taken from the High Court. Should people have stayed home in silence or exercised their right to protest?” Awan asked, requesting that the appeal be scheduled with other similar petitions.

Meanwhile, PTI MNA Abdul Latif, also convicted in the case, has yet to surrender before authorities.

Speaking to the media outside the court, Babar Awan termed the convictions a “mockery of justice” and an “attack on democracy,” reiterating that no case of terrorism could be made out of political protests.

He also condemned Israel’s recent attack on Iran, urging the Muslim world to take a firm stand in support of Palestine and regional sovereignty, he added.

The court will resume hearing the appeals on June 19.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2025