The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad convened on Monday to hear the case concerning the October 4 protest organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which escalated into violent clashes resulting in the death of a police officer. During the session, the court issued arrest warrants for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in relation to the incident.
The proceedings were overseen by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra. In a significant development, the court declared former opposition leader Omar Ayub, Amir Mughal, Hafeez-ur-Rehman, and several other accused individuals as proclaimed offenders due to their repeated failure to appear despite summons.
Meanwhile, PTI leader Azam Swati appeared before the court, with the judge noting that his trial will proceed separately. The court also ordered the recording of statements from prosecution witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation during Monday’s session.
The case was initially registered at Noun Police Station in Islamabad following the violent protest on October 4, which led to the death of a police official and injuries amid confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers. Further hearings are scheduled as the court continues to review evidence and testimonies related to the case.