Former Prime Minister and PTI founder, Imran Khan, was indicted in the GHQ attack case on Thursday. The case relates to the violent protests that erupted on May 9 last year. The indictment took place during a hearing at a temporary court inside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Judge Amjad Ali Shah of the anti-terrorism court (ATC) presided over the session.
Imran Khan, along with ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, appeared in the makeshift courtroom. PTI’s legal representatives were also present during the proceedings. The court indicted 100 people in the GHQ attack case, including former interior minister Sheikh Rashid. This case, registered at R.A. Bazar Police Station, accuses these individuals of involvement in the attacks.
The accused leaders, including Imran Khan, denied all charges. Among the 143 individuals named in the case, 23—such as Zulfi Bukhari, Shahbaz Gill, and Murad Saeed—were declared fugitives. The court has barred all accused from traveling abroad. The next hearing is scheduled for December 10, where the court will record the prosecution’s evidence.
The indictment had been postponed four times due to various reasons. At least 70 PTI leaders were accused of planning the May 9 protests. These leaders allegedly incited supporters to attack military and government sites after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested the ousted prime minister.
The protesters targeted several key locations, including the Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military described May 9 as a “Black Day” and decided to prosecute the attackers under the Army Act. However, Imran Khan claims that “agency operatives” were responsible for some of the arson and violence during the protests.
Both the former and current governments have repeatedly accused Imran Khan and his party of orchestrating the attacks. Despite receiving relief in some cases, the former premier still faces multiple charges linked to the May 9 violence. These cases are being heard by an anti-terrorism court.
Last month, an ATC in Lahore rejected Imran Khan’s bail petitions in eight cases related to the May 9 incidents. These cases include the Jinnah House attack, the Askari Tower attack, and other acts of arson and vandalism at Shadman police station, Rahat Bakery Chowk, and Zaman Park.
