Rawalpindi, Sept 24: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday resumed hearings in the GHQ attack case against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who appeared via WhatsApp video call from Adiala Jail. The proceedings, however, were disrupted by poor connectivity, prompting his lawyers to boycott the hearing.
Imran Khan had requested to be produced in person but the court dismissed the plea last week, directing that he attend virtually. During the video call, Imran’s lawyers Salman Akram Raja and Faisal Malik sought permission to communicate directly with him, but frequent voice breaks and a blurred video feed made it impossible. The defence argued that the accused could neither hear court proceedings nor respond effectively.
Despite the disruptions, Judge Amjad Ali Shah proceeded to record statements from eight prosecution witnesses, including officials from the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Pakistan Information Department. PTI’s legal team strongly objected, calling the process “unfair” and walking out of the courtroom.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Salman Akram Raja raised concerns over transparency, stressing that “Khan sahib is unaware of the testimonies being recorded.” He argued that the right to confidential consultation with the client was denied due to technical glitches, undermining the trial’s fairness. The defence has also filed a plea before the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi bench, seeking an open and transparent trial.
The court adjourned the hearing and summoned additional witnesses for September 27. Imran Khan, incarcerated since August 2023, was indicted in the GHQ attack case on December 5, 2023, and faces charges related to the May 9, 2023 protests, during which state and military properties were attacked following his arrest.