RAWALPINDI: The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Friday once again exposed the irresponsible behavior of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who appeared via video link in the GHQ attack case but later chose to boycott the hearing instead of facing the law.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the case and rejected PTI’s request for Khan’s personal appearance, reminding the party that according to the Punjab government’s notification, its founder could only attend via video link while the rest of the accused were bound to appear in person.
Even Khan’s video link appearance turned into a spectacle. After keeping the court waiting and joining late, he diverted discussions towards politics rather than legal matters. His counsel eventually boycotted the proceedings, proving once again that PTI leadership prefers theatrics over accountability.
Despite the boycott, the court continued its work and recorded testimonies from two prosecution witnesses, Sub-Inspector Saleem Qureshi and Sub-Inspector Manzoor Shehzad. The court adjourned proceedings until September 23, summoning 10 more witnesses from FIA, PEMRA, PID, Internal Security, and the Ministry of Interior.
PTI’s Role in May 9 Violence
The GHQ attack case remains one of the darkest chapters in Pakistan’s recent history, where PTI leaders shamelessly incited their workers to attack military and government installations following Khan’s arrest. Over 143 individuals, including Khan, are indicted, while 23 others — such as Zulfi Bukhari, Shahbaz Gill, and Murad Saeed — continue to evade justice as fugitives.
At least 70 PTI leaders have been accused of planning and fueling the violence of May 9, a day when Pakistan witnessed mob attacks on sensitive state symbols like Jinnah House in Lahore and GHQ in Rawalpindi. These reckless actions were not political protests but coordinated attempts to undermine the state and its armed forces.
PTI’s Decline
From constant contradictions in court to inciting its workers into destructive violence, PTI under Imran Khan has proven itself reckless and lawless. Instead of presenting a defense, its leadership prefers boycotts and press statements, while ordinary workers face the consequences of following destructive orders.
The May 9 violence will remain a stark reminder of how PTI placed personal power above Pakistan’s national interest. As cases proceed, the law is tightening around those who thought they were untouchable.