LEGAL

Islamabad ATC Declares Three PTI Leaders as Proclaimed Offenders

Islamabad’s ATC declares Murad Saeed, Hammad Azhar & Farrukh Habib as proclaimed offenders in the Judicial Complex attack case. Arrest warrants issued for Wasiq Qayyum, Raja Basharat & others.
2025-03-17
Islamabad ATC Declares Three PTI Leaders as Proclaimed Offenders

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) of Islamabad has declared three prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders—Murad Saeed, Hammad Azhar, and Farrukh Habib—as proclaimed offenders in the Judicial Complex attack case due to their prolonged absence from court proceedings.

During the hearing, the court noted that the accused failed to appear despite repeated summons and subsequently issued arrest warrants for Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi, Raja Basharat, and several other PTI workers who were also absent from the proceedings.

Case Background

The case pertains to violent clashes that erupted outside Islamabad’s Judicial Complex during a PTI rally, where law enforcement accused PTI leaders and supporters of attacking government property, inciting violence, and obstructing justice.

Authorities have been pursuing legal action against multiple PTI figures, with some already facing arrests, while others remain on the run.

Implications of the Verdict

Legal experts suggest that being declared a proclaimed offender is a serious legal status that can lead to:

  • Confiscation of assets
  • Travel restrictions
  • Further legal consequences

The court has directed authorities to expedite arrests of the absconding PTI leaders and ensure their presence for trial.

This ruling comes amid ongoing legal battles faced by PTI leadership, including cases related to May 9 violence, Toshakhana references, and corruption charges.