An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has hinted at daily hearings for two cases registered against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and others at Sangjani and I-9 police stations, starting from July 8th. The court also sought a written response from the Superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding the former Prime Minister’s appearance via video link.

The hearing was presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, with PTI leaders Ali Nawaz Awan, Wasif Qayyum, and Amir Kayani, among others, appearing in court.

The court indicated that the cases would be heard on a daily basis after July 8th.

Regarding Imran Khan’s appearance via video link, the anti-terrorism court sought a written response from the Superintendent of Adiala Jail.

During the proceedings, requests for exemption from attendance were filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal. The judge rejected these requests, stating that “exemption from attendance will not be accepted. It is not a valid reason to say that you cannot appear because you are out of town.”

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Judge Sipra inquired whether the responsibility for attendance lay with the defendants or the court. PTI lawyers responded that attendance was the responsibility of the defendants.

The anti-terrorism court judge announced that non-bailable arrest warrants would be issued for all absent defendants. PTI lawyers assured the court that all defendants would be present at the next hearing.

Judge Sipra stated that non-bailable arrest warrants would be issued for all absent defendants, adding that if the court received full assurance regarding their presence at the next hearing, the warrant issue would be reconsidered.

PTI lawyers pleaded for an opportunity to ensure the presence of all defendants at the next hearing. Judge Sipra responded that defendants who failed to appear on July 8th would be declared absconders. He emphasized that a 30-day period was not necessary to declare someone an absconder, and that he was determined to see these cases through to their conclusion.

The anti-terrorism court adjourned the hearing of both cases until July 8th.