Islamabad: Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has rejected former Prime Minister Imran Khan's plea for acquittal in the May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case. The ATC judge rejected the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder's plea, stating it was inadmissible, ARY News reported.
Speaking to ARY News, the prosecutor explained that the case's trial has already started and the testimonies of 12 witnesses have been recorded. He further stated that the hearing of the acquittal plea at this stage was inadmissible.
Defense lawyers, as per ANI, have requested that the former PM's family be allowed to attend the trial that is being held in a makeshift courtroom in Adiala Jail where Khan has been lodged for months. They also requested that all 13 cases related to the May 9 incident be merged.
While the request was granted, the prosecution has raised an objection to Bushra Bibi, Khan's wife, attending the trial. They argued that Bushra Bibi, who was recently convicted in the Al-Qadir Trust case, cannot attend the trial as convicted persons are not allowed to be present in another trial.
In Pakistan, violent clashes erupted on May 9, 2023, after Imran Khan was arrested over graft allegations. Angry supporters took to the streets protesting the arrest of their leader, with some targeting armed forces installations, subsequently prompting rare prosecutions of civilians in military courts.
