LAHORE – A court in Lahore has declared four absconding suspects as proclaimed offenders in the May 9 Askari Tower attack case. The list includes Khadija Shah, daughter of former finance minister Salman Shah.
The decision was announced during proceedings led by Administrative Judge of the Anti-Terrorism Court, Manzar Ali Gul. The court took strict notice of the repeated absence of the accused from trial hearings.
According to court records, the accused failed to appear despite multiple notices. As a result, the judge ordered permanent arrest warrants against Khadija Shah, Hamza Sohail, Usman Aslam, and Ahmad Marsaleen. The court also directed law enforcement agencies to take immediate steps to arrest them.
The prosecution informed the court that the accused were deliberately avoiding the legal process. The state prosecutor said Khadija Shah had gone into hiding after being convicted in another case related to the May 9 incidents. He added that fear of arrest was the main reason behind their continued absence.
The prosecutor further explained that the court had granted sufficient time for the accused to present themselves. However, they did not comply with the court’s directions. Even after arrest warrants were issued, the accused failed to appear before the court.
In the same hearing, the court also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for another accused, Zain-ul-Hassan. The judge initiated legal proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender as well. This step is usually taken when an accused continuously avoids court appearances.
The Askari Tower attack case is linked to violent incidents that took place on May 9. Several properties and installations were targeted during protests on that day. Authorities have since launched investigations and trials against individuals allegedly involved.
The court emphasized that avoiding the judicial process would not be tolerated. Declaring someone a proclaimed offender allows law enforcement agencies to intensify search operations. It also places legal restrictions on the accused, including property-related actions.
Legal experts say such decisions are meant to ensure accountability. Courts often take strict measures when suspects repeatedly ignore summons and warrants.
For now, the case proceedings will continue in the absence of the proclaimed offenders. The court is expected to review progress once arrests are made.
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The development marks another significant step in the ongoing legal actions related to the May 9 cases. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing all accused, including Khadija Shah, through lawful means.
