ISLAMABAD: The formal hearing of the May 9 attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi began today, with the prosecution presenting eyewitness testimonies and evidence at the hearing held at Adiala Jail. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was present during the proceedings.
Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing, where four eyewitnesses from Rawalpindi Police, ASI Saqib, Constables Shakeel, Sajjad and Yasir, gave their statements. The witnesses presented key evidence seized from the accused, including a helmet allegedly taken from the anti-riot forces, petrol bombs, pieces of statues destroyed during the attack and a mobile phone.
Additional evidence presented included sticks, flags, PTI caps, matches and wires. A mobile phone was allegedly discovered during the court proceedings.
During their testimonies, the witnesses identified several accused, including Raja Basharat, who was present in the courtroom. A witness said that Raja Basharat led the protest outside the GHQ and incited the protesters to retaliate against the army over Imran Khan’s arrest.
The courtroom was packed with the accused, lawyers, members of the prosecution and media representatives. Tensions reached a peak with heated exchanges between the defence lawyers and the prosecution team. The court used the sound system to record the testimonies after the accused raised a hue and cry and issued a warning to maintain order. Imran Khan was present during the testimonies of all the witnesses.
The court adjourned the proceedings till January 18, summoning five additional prosecution witnesses for the next hearing. The trial is expected to continue with the testimonies of more witnesses and the presentation of additional evidence.
