An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Pakistan on Wednesday issued non-bailable arrest warrants for top aides of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with riots and attacks on military installations during the protests. May 9, 2023.
The arrest warrants were issued against National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senate Opposition Leader Senator Shibli Faraz, Kanwal Shauzab and former party chief Fawad Chaudhry after They did not appear in court.
The case stems from incidents recorded at the Civil Lines police station, local media reported. The PTI argued that the charges were politically motivated to sideline Khan at the behest of Pakistan’s powerful military. The army has denied the accusations.
The protests erupted after Imran Khan was arrested by the national anti-graft agency in a land corruption case.
Protesters ransacked state buildings, including the army headquarters in Rawalpindi and the army commander-in-chief’s residence in Lahore. The unrest led to the arrest of nearly 2,000 PTI supporters and leaders, and at least eight deaths.
Khan, who was indicted last month for inciting violence against military installations, remains imprisoned following his August 2023 conviction on corruption charges.
Although the PTI was excluded from the February 2024 elections, its independent candidates obtained the most seats, but not enough to form a government.
Last month, the government began negotiations with the PTI to ease political tensions.
The PTI insisted that judicial commissions investigate the violence during the May 9 and November 26 protests before taking further action.