A Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court rejected two appeals from former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman sought CCTV recordings and a pause in the trial concerning the General Headquarters (GHQ) attack. Judge Amjad Ali Shah presided over the hearing, with Khan’s legal team, Faisal Malik and Salman Akram Raja, present. Special prosecutors Zaheer Shah and Ikram Amin Minhas represented the prosecution. Khan’s attorneys asked for access to security footage from the September 19th hearing. They also requested a suspension of the legal process until the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issues directives about shifting the proceedings to a correctional facility.
Malik asserted that the defense required consultation with Khan to proceed effectively. Judge Shah noted Khan’s boycott of the prior session and suggested contesting the matter in the High Court. Malik clarified that the issue of communicating with Khan via WhatsApp was already under review in the IHC, emphasizing these calls shouldn’t substitute formal video link hearings. Prosecutor Minhas accused the defense of intentionally stalling the trial, highlighting their previous boycott and current request for an extension. He insisted on the need to document witness testimonies and the continuation of the legal process. Prosecutor Shah added that the law didn’t permit pausing the trial, suggesting questioning court directives bordered on contempt.
Malik maintained that the defense sought a fair trial, questioning the possibility of ensuring justice without client consultation. Raja argued against reducing Khan’s involvement to a WhatsApp call, citing it as a violation of due process. The court reiterated its stance, affirming the defense’s right to challenge the orders in the High Court but maintaining the trial’s continuity. After reviewing arguments, the court dismissed Khan’s requests for the footage and suspension of the legal process.