An “angry” judge of anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has ordered the release of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders – Omar Ayub Khan and Raja Basharat – following their arrest in GHQ attack case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The two arrested PTI leaders were produced before the court on Friday for their remand, but the judge ordered to release them.
During proceedings, ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah expressed strong displeasure over Omar Ayub and Raja Basharat’s detention, raising question: “Why were they arrested when the Peshawar High Court had already approved their bail?”
On Thursday, the Rawalpindi police had arrested Ayub, Basharat and Ahmed Chattha from outside Adiala jail following charge sheet was filed against them and other suspects, including PTI founder Imran Khan in the GHQ attack case.
Imran Khan was arrested on May 9, 2023, from the premises of the Islamabad High Court, where he was attending a hearing in a corruption case. Imran Khan’s arrest had sparked widespread protests and riots across the country, as his supporters and party workers took to the streets to demand his release.
The PTI protesters also attacked and vandalized several civil and military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Jinnah House in Lahore, the Mianwali airbase, and others.
Reporter Ershad Qureshi