ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday deferred proceedings in the case related to violence against Khawar Maneka during the hearing of the Iddat Nikah case, after arguments could not be presented on petitions challenging the application of terrorism charges.
The case, being heard by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, involved petitions filed by Naeem Haider Panjhutha and Usman Riaz against the inclusion of terrorism provisions in the FIR.
During the hearing, the court expressed displeasure over the non-appearance of accused Ansar Kayani. Judge Supra warned that if the accused failed to appear at the next hearing, arrest warrants would be issued and surety bonds could also be confiscated.
“There cannot be one law for ordinary citizens and another for lawyers,” the judge remarked, adding that delays and non-compliance contributed to weaknesses in the justice system.
The judge further observed that if arguments were not presented at the next hearing, the court would decide the petitions on the basis of the available record. The hearing was adjourned until May 12.
A case regarding violence against Khawar Maneka was registered at Ramna Police Station against several PTI lawyers.
In a separate development, the cross-examination of another prosecution witness was completed in the murder trial of TikToker Sana Yousaf, being heard by Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka.
During Thursday’s proceedings, public prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain and defence counsel Sardar Qadeer appeared before the court. Following the completion of cross-examination, the hearing was adjourned until May 11. So far, cross-examination of 23 prosecution witnesses has been completed in the case.
