An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Sargodha has formally indicted leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Umar Ayub, Punjab Assembly opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, MNA Bilal Ijaz, and several other PTI leaders in the Mianwali Judicial Complex attack case.

The case pertains to the violent incidents of May 9, when a mob allegedly attacked the judicial complex in Mianwali. ATC Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh presided over the hearing.

All key accused, including Ayub, Bhachar, and Ijaz, appeared in court.

During the proceedings, the accused rejected the charges, claiming they were politically motivated.

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“False and fabricated cases have been filed against us as part of political revenge,” they argued.

Following their plea, the court summoned prosecution witnesses for the next hearing, scheduled for February 28.

Background of the case According to police, the accused are charged with attacking the Mianwali Judicial Complex, arson, vandalism, damaging public property, assaulting law enforcement personnel, and looting valuables.

The City Police Station, Mianwali, initially registered a case against 57 named and 150 unidentified suspects.

Later, PTI leaders Umar Ayub, Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Bilal Ijaz, and Ahmad Chatha were formally included in the case.

Umar Ayub demands fresh elections

Speaking to the media after the hearing, Umar Ayub lashed out at the government, claiming Pakistan is in a state of turmoil.

“The country is in chaos; we need fresh elections. The judicial process is being delayed due to a lack of constitutional supremacy,” he stated.

He further criticised the federal and Punjab governments, blaming them for economic and political instability.

“We are not even allowed to meet Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The delays in legal proceedings prove there is no rule of law in the country,” he added.

Ayub also warned of worsening conditions in Balochistan, urging authorities to take corrective measures.

“The country has been weakened. My message to Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and their allies: you have no mandate. Show mercy on Pakistan. The only solution to this crisis is fresh elections,” he said.