Court warns PTI leaders' lawyer in May 9 police vehicle burning case as verdict nears

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday expressed displeasure at the absence of defence counsel during proceedings in the May 9 police vehicle-burning case linked to the Mughalpura incident, warning that a government lawyer could be appointed to assist the court if counsel fails to appear at the next hearing.

The case was heard by ATC Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gul at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the jail trial is underway.

During the hearing, the accused's final statements could not be recorded because defence counsel, Burhan Moazzam Malik, did not appear before the court.

The judge expressed anger over the repeated absence of lawyers and directed the defence counsel to ensure his appearance at the next hearing. The court warned that if the lawyer failed to appear again, a government-appointed lawyer would be asked to assist in concluding the proceedings.

According to the court, the defence appeared to seek delays in the trial, even though all major stages of the proceedings had already been completed.

The court noted that the case was nearing its conclusion, with testimony from all 37 prosecution witnesses having been recorded. The cross-examination of those witnesses by defence lawyers has also been completed.

The prosecution presented eyewitnesses and witnesses related to the alleged May 9 conspiracy, and a total of 37 witnesses testified during the trial.

The attendance of both jailed and bail-granted accused has also been completed, the court was informed.

Among those in custody in the case are PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ijaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmood ur Rashid.

The accused have been charged with allegedly inciting party workers to engage in rioting and unrest during the May 9 protests. The court is expected to proceed toward final arguments before announcing its verdict in the case.

Reporter: Jamaluddin Jamali