The Punjab administration has rescinded its prior directive to conduct the jail trial of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the GHQ attack case, reverting the proceedings back to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi. A fresh directive issued by the provincial administration stipulates that Khan will participate in the hearings remotely via video link. Other defendants implicated in the GHQ attack and associated incidents will be physically present in the ATC.
The legal representative for Khan, Faisal Chaudhry, addressed the press on Wednesday, stating that twelve cases connected to the May 9 events, including the GHQ attack case, were postponed until October 1. Chaudhry confirmed the court’s notification regarding the shift back to the Rawalpindi ATC, but contested the decision to have Khan appear via video link, insisting on his physical presence.
Political commentators suggest the Punjab administration’s reversal on the jail trial aims to curtail Khan’s interactions and public pronouncements. The new arrangement ensures all hearings occur at the ATC Rawalpindi with Khan’s participation limited to video conferencing.