Islamabad: Imran Khan and Tahir-ul-Qadri nominated as escapees

Islamabad: An anti-terrorism court on Thursday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek leader Tahirul Qadri as escapees today.

Hearing a case pertaining to an attack on SSP Asmatullah Junejo during the PTI and PAT protests, Judge Kauser Abbas Zaidi declared Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri as wanted persons, while ordering for the immediate arrest of the two party leaders.

Junejo was attacked and beaten with sticks by protesters during the Islamabad protests when they were at their peak. He sustained serious injuries. Subsequently, a case was registered against PAT and PTI workers under ATC sections.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Imran, PTI vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Tahir-ul-Qadri and others for attacking the Pakistan Television (PTV) building and Parliament House in August. ATC Judge Syed Kausar Abbas Zaidi issued the warrants in response to two separate FIRs registered by the Secretariat police against Imran Khan, Tahir-ul-Qadri, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Saifullah Niazi, Dr. Raheeq Abbasi, Asad Umar and others. The attacks took place on August 31 when PAT and PTI workers marched towards the Prime Minister House and the police were ordered to thwart their march. Subsequent clashes between the protesters and law enforcers resulted in the deaths of three PAT workers. Hundreds others, including both demonstrators and policemen, were wounded.