Punjab govt withdraws PTI founder's jail trial notification in May 9 cases

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government on Wednesday withdrew the notification for the jail trial of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in 12 May 9 cases, including the GHQ attack case.

Following the withdrawal, the trial will now be conducted in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), rather than inside Adiala Jail. Imran Khan will be presented before the court via video link from prison.

Prosecutor Zaheer Shah informed the ATC of the development, stating that the Punjab government has issued new notifications directing all future proceedings to take place within the ATC complex.

The court has scheduled the next hearing of the GHQ attack case for September 19, and summoned two prosecution witnesses for testimony. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah will took up the case.

In preparation for the hearing, the court has directed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure full video link arrangements for Imran Khan’s virtual appearance. Additionally, the SP Security has been instructed to strengthen security at the ATC complex, with orders issued for deploying extra personnel to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, the hearing of the remaining 11 cases of May 9 incident has been adjourned until October 1, 2025.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif on Wednesday said the PTI founder has no objection over action against militants in the province.

In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Barrister Saif confirmed that no military operation is currently being carried out in the province.

He asserted that the fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility, adding that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder has never opposed counter-terrorism actions.

“The founder’s policy has always been clear: there must be no compromise or relief for terrorists,” Barrister Saif stated.