Ongoing Proceedings in the GHQ Attack Case: New Witnesses and Evidence Presented
The legal proceedings surrounding the GHQ attack case continue to unfold, with significant developments taking place during a recent hearing held at Adiala Jail. On Saturday, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, witnessed the addition of two new witnesses who provided crucial testimonies related to the events of May 9, 2023. This date marked a turning point in Pakistan’s political landscape, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Testimonies and Evidence Presented
During the hearing, Constable Imran took the stand to present photographic evidence documenting the damages incurred during the protests that erupted on May 9. He submitted a total of 15 photographs, which vividly captured the aftermath of the violence that ensued when supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party reacted to his arrest. The images serve as a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded, as PTI supporters vandalized and set fire to state buildings and military sites.
In addition to Constable Imran’s testimony, SDO Building Owais Shah provided an official damage estimate report. According to his findings, the financial losses resulting from the GHQ attack were substantial, amounting to Rs. 780,000. This figure underscores the significant impact of the protests, not only in terms of physical destruction but also in the financial burden placed on state resources.
Challenges in the Proceedings
Despite the progress made with the testimonies of Constable Imran and Owais Shah, the court faced challenges as two other witnesses were unable to record their statements. The delay was attributed to incomplete supplementary reports, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the events in question. The prosecution also submitted 13 USB drives containing digital evidence, which were saved onto a computer as per the court’s directive. The court clarified that any accused party wishing to access this digital evidence could formally apply for it, ensuring transparency in the proceedings.
Notices and Adjournments
In an effort to streamline the case, the court issued notices to several key organizations, including the Pakistan Information Department (PID), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Additionally, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Rawalpindi received a notice for failing to submit a complete internal security report, highlighting the importance of thorough documentation in legal cases of this nature.
The hearing was adjourned until February 6, 2024, with the court ordering that all pending supplementary reports be finalized and submitted by the next session. This decision reflects the court’s commitment to ensuring that all relevant information is available before proceeding further.
Context of the Protests
The protests that led to the violence on May 9 were ignited by the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case, which many of his supporters viewed as politically motivated. The unrest that followed resulted in widespread destruction and raised questions about the state of law and order in the country. Khan, who has been in detention at Adiala Jail since August 2023, was formally indicted on December 5, 2023. He was arrested by Rawalpindi police in January 2024 in connection with the May 9 protest case and has since filed an application for acquittal.
Conclusion
As the GHQ attack case progresses, the testimonies and evidence presented in court will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the proceedings. With the next hearing scheduled for February 6, all eyes will be on the developments that unfold, as the legal ramifications of the May 9 protests continue to resonate within Pakistan’s political landscape. The case not only highlights the tensions surrounding Imran Khan’s leadership but also raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the rule of law in the country.