ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday has acquitted Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan in the Parliament attack case.

While announcing the reserved verdict on the premier’s acquittal plea, ATC judge Raja Jawad Abbas has directed to record more arguments in Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) case on November 12.

The court has also decided to indict Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pervez Khattak, Asad Umar, Jahangir Tareen, Shafqat Mahmood and others. Earlier, ATC had granted permanent exemption to Prime Minister Imran Khan from appearance in a case related to attack on Parliament House.

Judge Syed Kausar Abbas Zaidi heard the exemption petition filed by the premier. Defence counsel Babar Awan maintained that the co-accused could receive permanent exemption if there were more than one suspects in the case.

It is to be mentioned here that PM Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi, Asad Umar, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shafqat Mehmood and Raja Khurram Nawaz are facing trial for allegedly attacking PTV building and Parliament House during 2014 sit-in.

The clash resulted in the deaths of three participants of the sit-ins. Hundreds, including demonstrators and police officials were also wounded. Following this, police had invoked the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against the responsible people.

The president is seeking constitutional immunity in the case. According to Article 248 (2) of the Constitution, “No criminal proceeding whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor in any court during term of office.”

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Finance Minister Asad Umar also filed exemption pleas in the court citing official engagements. Similar petitions were submitted by other PTI leaders including Jahangir Tareen, Aijaz Chaudhry, Shafqat Mehmood and Saifullah. NNI