An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued bailable arrest warrants for three senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders — Omar Ayub, Sheikh Waqas Akram, and Zartaj Gul — in connection with the Sangjani rally case stemming from political clashes last year.
According to official reports, the ATC directed law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce the PTI leaders before the court in compliance with its orders. The development follows repeated absences of the accused from earlier hearings despite multiple summons.
The case originates from the September 2024 rally in Sangjani, on the outskirts of Islamabad, where PTI supporters had gathered to demand the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and protest what they termed as the political marginalization of their party. The demonstration had led to confrontations between the rally participants and the Islamabad police, resulting in several arrests and injuries.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, after hearing the arguments presented by the prosecution and defence counsels, ruled that the absence of the three leaders warranted legal action under anti-terrorism laws. The warrants were subsequently approved and issued.
Sheikh Waqas Akram later confirmed the court’s decision in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that the party remained committed to pursuing justice through legal and democratic means. PTI sources said the leadership views the move as part of the government’s ongoing “political victimization” campaign against opposition figures.
The court has adjourned further proceedings and instructed authorities to ensure the presence of the accused leaders at the next scheduled hearing.
