Islamabad court issues bailable warrant against Asad Qaiser today

Islamabad—(Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday issued a bailable arrest warrant for PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser. The case is connected to the clashes outside the Federal Judicial Complex (FJC) in March 2023.

On March 18, 2023, PTI workers and Islamabad police clashed for hours when former Prime Minister Imran Khan visited the FJC for the first Toshakhana case hearing. He was later arrested in August 2023 and has remained in custody since.

That same day, Punjab police also entered Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore, where they faced another chaotic standoff with PTI supporters just days earlier.

ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra presided over Monday’s hearing. Advocates Sardar Masroof Khan and Amna Ali represented PTI leaders, while Advocate Sardar Muhammad Razzaq represented former Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi.

The judge issued a bailable arrest warrant for Asad Qaiser, ordering him to appear in court. Applications seeking exemption from appearance for Elahi, former finance minister Asad Umar, and PTI’s Shibli Faraz were accepted. The hearing was adjourned until October 6.

The case, registered at the Counter-Terrorism Department police station under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, also names Imran Khan. The law ministry has been asked to provide a response regarding proceedings against the former premier.

By March 22, 2023, Islamabad Police had arrested 316 PTI supporters for allegedly attacking police and causing unrest outside the FJC.

The FIR invoked multiple Pakistan Penal Code sections, including rioting, obstructing public servants, assault, theft, mischief, and criminal intimidation.

The report lists 18 people causing damage to the FJC, 22 involved in parking lot destruction and lighting fires, and 19 accused of injuring police. Stones, lighters, and petrol bottles were recovered from some suspects.

Nine countries face UAE visa ban; Pakistan spared.