On July 8, defendants who fail to appear will have advertisements issued against them. There is no requirement to wait 30 days to issue advertisements for absconders. The judge made the following remarks:
Islamabad: The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court dismissed exemption requests from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI leader Amir Mughal, issuing non-bailable arrest warrants for both. Additionally, the court requested a written response from the superintendent of Adiala Jail regarding Imran Khan’s video link presentation.
According to reports, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra of the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court presided over the hearing of cases related to FIRs filed at Thana Sangjani and A-9 against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan and others. Ali Nawaz Awan, Waseem Qayyum, Amir Kiani, and other accused individuals appeared in court during the proceedings. However, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Amir Mughal submitted exemption requests for attendance.
Addressing the court, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra emphasized, ‘Exemption requests from attendance will not be entertained. The fact that I am out of town is no justification for non-appearance. Whether the accused appear or not is their responsibility or that of the court.’ PTI’s legal representatives argued, ‘It is incumbent upon the accused to ensure their attendance.’ In response, the judge stated, ‘Non-appearing accused individuals will have non-bailable warrants issued against them. We will ensure the attendance of all charged at the next hearing.
Further elaborating his stance, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra stated, ‘We are issuing non-bailable arrest warrants for all absent accused.’ This is not a spectacle; it happens once, not twice. If someone cannot attend on July 8 due to illness, the court will issue advertisements against them. Hearings for cases after July 8 will proceed daily. We will seek full assurance of attendance at the next hearing, after which we will consider the matter of warrants.
The defense counsel requested, ‘Grant us one opportunity, and we will ensure all accused appear at the next hearing.’ The judge firmly replied, ‘I am committed to concluding these cases.’ The court will issue advertisements against defendants who do not appear on July 8. There is no need to wait 30 days to issue advertisements for absconders. The court adjourned both cases until July 8, pending resolution; otherwise, it will dismiss them.
These developments underscore the judicial resolve to ensure the orderly conduct of proceedings. And the accountability of those involved despite non-appearance and procedural delays.
