ISLAMABAD – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Tuesday once again postponed proceedings in the Faizabad protest case after the prosecution failed to record witness statements.
ATC Judge Abual-Hasanat Zulqarnain presided over the hearing. Several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Aamir Kiani, were present in court and marked their attendance. However, no witness statements were recorded during the session.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur remains a proclaimed offender in the case. His legal status has not yet changed, according to court records.
The case relates to a protest at Faizabad following the disqualification of PTI founder Imran Khan. The protest led to severe disruptions and legal consequences for several party members. So far, only three witness statements have been recorded.
Charges have already been framed against multiple PTI leaders, including Senator Faisal Javed and former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiq Qayyum. More witness testimonies and cross-examinations are expected at the next hearing.
The FIR was filed at Islamabad’s Industrial Area police station, naming Ali Amin Gandapur and others as the accused. The prosecution has faced criticism over repeated delays in presenting evidence, raising concerns about the case’s progress.
Separately, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified several PTI lawmakers. These include Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul, who were convicted in the May 9 riots cases. The ECP issued official notifications under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, barring them from holding public office.
Other disqualified lawmakers include MNAs Rai Haider Ali, Hamid Raza, and Rai Hassan Nawaz. Provincial lawmakers Junaid Afzal Sahi, Ansar Iqbal, and Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal were also removed from office following ATC verdicts.
As the legal process continues, the spotlight remains on the prosecution’s ability to present solid evidence and move the Faizabad protest case forward.
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