The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has intensified action in the May 9 violence cases by declaring seven accused, including senior political figures, as proclaimed offenders and issuing perpetual, non-bailable arrest warrants.
During the hearing, the Anti-Terrorism Court declared Hammad Azhar, Zubair Khan Niazi, and five other accused as proclaimed offenders in the May 9 GOR Gate attack case.
The proceedings were conducted by ATC Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gill, who noted the continuous absence of the accused despite repeated court orders.
Perpetual arrest warrants issued
The special court issued perpetual (non-bailable) arrest warrants for Hammad Azhar, Zubair Khan Niazi, Akbar Khan, and Masood Ahmed Subhani. Perpetual arrest warrants were also issued against Arsalan bin Basharat, Farooq Anjum, and Habib Ahmed.
The court took action against the absent accused in both the Club Chowk and GOR Gate attack cases, which stem from incidents of violence during the May 9 unrest.
The ATC observed that the failure of the accused to appear before the court warranted strict legal action under anti-terrorism laws.
Legal pressure intensifies in May 9 cases
With the declaration of proclaimed offenders and issuance of perpetual arrest warrants, legal pressure has further intensified on the accused in the May 9 violence cases.
The court proceedings mark a significant development in the ongoing trials related to the attacks on state installations and sensitive locations in Lahore.
