ATC grants Imran exemption from appearing in next hearing of violence cases

ATC grants Imran exemption from appearing in next hearing of violence cases

Islamabad (Web Desk): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted an exemption to Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan from appearing in the next hearing of violence cases related to 2014 sit-ins. 

ATC resumed the hearing of the cases filed against Imran Kahn, for 2014 sit-in, Imran Khan and his lawyer Baber Awan attended the hearing.

Judges, Kausar Abbas and Shahrukh Arjumand are hearing four cases, attack on the state television building, Parliament and Junejo, against PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek leaders.

A notice for a permanent exemption from appearing before the court in the cases was issued to the prosection. The hearing was then adjourned until March 13.

Imran, whose exemption plea had been earlier rejected by the court on February 23, was absent as the hearing commenced early morning after assisting defence counsel Shahid Gondal appeared before the court. 

It is pertinent to remember that in August 2014, Khan and Tahirul Qadri took to streets in Islamabad against alleged rigging in 2013 general elections and Model Town sit-in. The protest had continued for 104 days.

During the sit-in, the protesters beat up SSP Asmatullah Junejo on Constitution Avenue when they attacked the Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters and the parts of the Parliament.

A case had been filed against Khan, Qadri and others for torturing SSP Junejo and five other police officers.

The PTI chief had pleaded the court to transfer the cases to civil court however the request was rejected on December 11, 2017.