ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday dismissed the acquittal plea filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Javed Khan in the Faizabad protest case.
The case pertains to the protest staged by PTI leaders at Faizabad following the disqualification of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan. The hearing was conducted by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra.
During the proceedings, Amir Mehmood Kiyani, Rashid Hafeez, Jamshed Mughal, and other accused appeared in court, while Faisal Javed Khan, Haider Bin Masood, and Raja Majid submitted applications for exemption from personal appearance.
Lawyers including Ilyas Siddiqui, Sardar Masroof Khan Advocate, Zahid Bashir Dar, and others represented the accused in court.
The court rejected the acquittal request filed by Faisal Javed Khan.
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The prosecution presented two witnesses, whose statements were recorded. The judge stated that cross-examination of the witnesses can be conducted at the next hearing if the defense chooses to do so.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was again absent from the court. The judge remarked, “Let’s reissue the previous order.”
When Kiyani appeared in court, the judge addressed him saying, “Mr. Amir Kiyani, please leave the courtroom. You are a proclaimed offender; if the police hear of this, they might arrest you.” The judge added that Kiyani has been declared a proclaimed offender three times.
In response, Kiyani acknowledged, “Sir, it’s my mistake. I admit I failed to appear in court.” The judge instructed him to submit a proper request, after which the court would consider the matter.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing of the Faizabad protest case until July 31.