The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday indicted nine additional accused in the May 9 General Headquarters (GHQ) attack case including former federal minister for human rights Dr Shireen Mazari.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah conducted the hearing at Adiala Jail, where strict security measures were in place. The accused pleaded not guilty and denied the charges.

The individuals indicted in this case include Raja Rashid Hafeez, Muneer, Khadim Hussain Khokhar, Zakirullah, Azimullah, Tahir Sadiq, Mehr Muhammad Javed, and Chaudhry Asif.

Prosecutors contended that the accused were complicit in the violent attack on the military installation following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan earlier this year.

Proceedings and legal challenges

During the hearing, Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s counsel submitted a Section 265-D application under the Criminal Procedure Code, requesting the suspension of charge proceedings, arguing insufficient evidence. The court reserved its decision on the matter and postponed framing charges against Qureshi until December 19.

Dr. Shireen Mazari, present alongside other accused, also pleaded not guilty. The defense team led by lawyer Muhammad Faisal Malik contended that the prosecution's evidence lacked credibility.

Prosecutors Naveed Malik and Zaheer Shah urged the court to cancel bail for absent accused, asserting deliberate delays in trial proceedings.

Background

The May 9 riots erupted nationwide after Imran Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Protesters stormed military installations, including Lahore’s Corps Commander House (Jinnah House), and damaged public and private property.

In Rawalpindi, the demonstrators attacked GHQ, breaching its gate. At least eight people lost their lives, and over 290 were injured in the unrest, which saw widespread violence and vandalism.

To date, 119 individuals have been charged in the GHQ attack case. Of these, 98, including Imran Khan, have already been indicted. The court will resume hearings on December 19.

This development comes as part of broader legal action against PTI leaders and workers accused of involvement in the May 9 incidents, with over 1,900 arrests made nationwide.