SSP assault case: PTI chief invokes Model Town incident to discriminate terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Thursday said the ruling party leaders could not differentiate the peaceful protests and terrorism acts. 

Talking to media after Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) proceedings, Khan deplored the ATC proceedings against him while stating that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders view every peaceful protest against government as a terror act.

Extending his support to Tahirul Qadri, the PTI chief invoked Model Town incident report findings to discriminate peaceful protests and terror acts.

“We will join Qadri, if he takes to road to seek justice,” Khan underlined.

Moreover, the PTI chairman condemned US President Donald Trump’s move of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. “First the Palestinians were deprived of their lands and now moving Israel’s capital city to Jerusalem is deplorable,” he added.

Earlier today, Khan appeared before an ATC in cases pertaining to attack on State TV building, the parliament, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Asmatullah Junejo.

It was his third appearance before the court in four cases.

At the outset of court proceedings today, the investigation officer informed ATC Judge Shahrukh Ajrumand that Khan has joined investigation with police and extended full cooperation, hence he is no longer an absconder.

He also submitted a report to the court.

The anti-terrorism court then adjourned the hearing till December 11.

Terrorism charges against political cousins

The cases against two ‘political cousins’, Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, were registered back in 2014 during the sit-in staged by them in Islamabad.

The two leaders held protests against alleged ‘rigging’ in the General Elections 2013.

Earlier, the ATC approved the PTI chairman’s bail for Rs 200,000 in each case after Imran Khan surrendered himself before the court last month.

The court had then also ordered Imran Khan to cooperate with the investigation officers and get his statement documented with police.

Khan recorded his statement with police on last Sunday at Secretariat Police Station.

Both PAT and PTI leaders are accused of destroying property in the Red Zone, attacking the state TV channel’s building and injuring SSP Junejo during the 2014 protests.