- Special Judge summons final witness for cross-examination on Oct 6
- ATC issues non-bailable arrest warrants for PTI leaders in vandalism case
ISLAMABAD: The Special Judge Central on Friday directed that the trial of the Toshakhana-II case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi be conducted on a daily basis until final verdict, summoning the last prosecution witness for cross-examination on October 6.
Special Judge Central Shah Rukh Arjumand issued the order during proceedings of the case, which is in its concluding phase. He underlined that both accused were in jail and that timely justice required an expeditious conclusion of the trial.
The directive came after defense counsel Qausain Faisal Mufti failed to appear due to illness. The court accepted his adjournment plea despite the absence of a medical certificate but noted that defense lawyers had also missed the previous hearing. The judge remarked it appeared the defense was attempting to delay proceedings and made it clear that no further adjournments would be tolerated, instructing all three defense lawyers to ensure their presence at the next hearing.
So far, cross-examination of 19 out of 20 prosecution witnesses has been completed. The final witness, NAB investigation officer Mohsin Haroon, has been ordered to appear on October 6 for cross-examination.
In a related development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for several PTI leaders in a case linked to vandalism during the party founder’s court appearance.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra issued the warrants against PTI leaders Shibli Faraz, Maj (r) Tahir Sadiq, and Ali Nawaz Awan in connection with case number 153 registered at Ramna Police Station. The accused face charges of rioting and damaging public property during the event.
The court also directed the Ministry of Interior to send another letter concerning the PTI founder and sought a report regarding his nephew Hassaan Niazi.
According to case records, PTI leaders Murad Saeed and Hammad Azhar have already been declared absconders in the same case.
The court adjourned the case for further hearings until November 1, instructing authorities to ensure compliance with its orders before the next date.
