The Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore has started the process of declaring several undercover leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) wanted in 2 cases related to the May 9 incident as advertisers.
Among the PTI leaders facing action in the said cases are Farrukh Habib, Azam Swati, Hammad Azhar and Murad Saeed.
After the arrest of Chairman PTI Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises in the Al-Qadir Trust case, protests broke out in many cities on May 9. Leaders are named in the cases.
A number of public and private properties, including military installations, were damaged during the protests, in response to which the crackdown launched against the PTI is still ongoing.
Both the cases were heard today by ATC judge Abhar Gul Khan, who, while issuing separate but similar orders, said that the investigating officers had obtained non-bailable arrest warrants for the accused from the court on July 6 and they had sub-inspectors Shehzad. What was handed over to Akram and Tanveer Ahmed?
The order issued by the court said that the sub-inspectors conducted raids to arrest the suspects but could not arrest them as they are absconding for fear of arrest.
The order further said that according to the request of the investigating officers, orders should be issued against the above accused under Section 87 of the Criminal Code.
#Initiation #process #declare #hidden #leaders #PTI #advertisers
**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Sarah Khan on PTI Leaders’ Arrest Warrants**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khan. The recent developments in the Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore, which has initiated the process of declaring PTI leaders wanted following the May 9 riots, have sparked significant debate in Pakistan. What are your initial thoughts on this legal action against figures like Farrukh Habib and Azam Swati?
**Dr. Khan:** Thank you for having me. This situation is quite complex. The fact that the court is moving to declare these PTI leaders as wanted individuals raises critical questions about the rule of law and political accountability in Pakistan. On one hand, the government has a responsibility to maintain public order and address any violence that occurred during the protests. On the other hand, many view this as a political maneuver aimed at undermining the PTI, especially following Imran Khan’s arrest.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. A lighter approach could be to view this as necessary law enforcement. Do you think the public perceives this crackdown on PTI as justified, especially in light of the damages reported to public and private properties?
**Dr. Khan:** Indeed, public sentiment is polarized. Some citizens may see the crackdown as a necessary measure to restore order after the May 9 chaos. However, others fear that it could lead to political martyrdom for the PTI, further entrenching its support base. It raises the question—are these legal actions a genuine effort to uphold the law, or are they a strategic infringement aimed at discrediting an opposition party? This is where the debate really intensifies, and it’s essential for the public to critically analyze the motivations behind such moves.
**Interviewer:** Very thought-provoking, Dr. Khan. With the continuous actions taken against the PTI, do you believe there’s a risk of escalating tensions between the government and the opposition, and what implications could that have for Pakistani democracy?
**Dr. Khan:** Absolutely, escalating tensions could prove detrimental to democracy in Pakistan. If opposition leaders are continuously targeted, it not only rallies their supporters but also narrows the space for dissent and dialogue. A healthy democracy thrives on the coexistence of various political ideologies. The actions taken now could either pave the way for broader acceptance and reform or lead us down a path to increased division and unrest. Ultimately, it comes down to whether citizens want to foster a culture of accountability or one driven by political vendettas.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights. To our readers: Do you believe the court’s actions against PTI leaders are justifiable in the name of law enforcement, or do you see them as politically motivated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
