Pakistan: PTI’s Omar Ayub declared proclaimed offender as protest cases intensify

PTI leaders face court heat

A Pakistani Anti-Terrorism Court has declared senior opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan a proclaimed offender after his repeated failure to appear in court in connection with a protest case linked to demonstrations held on October 4 last year, Dawn reported. The move marks a significant escalation in legal proceedings against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra observed that Omar Ayub had ignored multiple court summons, prompting the court to initiate formal proclamation measures. The court directed authorities to compile complete records of his movable and immovable assets and ordered that his passport and Computerised National Identity Card be blocked. The court later adjourned proceedings and instructed officials to complete all legal formalities related to the proclamation process.

According to Dawn, the case stems from a PTI protest held last year, during which Omar Ayub and several senior party figures were nominated under anti-terrorism provisions. Earlier this year, prosecutors submitted a challan naming top PTI leaders and alleging that they had incited violence and caused disruptions during the demonstration.

Meanwhile, parallel developments unfolded at another Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, where tense scenes emerged during the hearing of a separate protest-related case involving Aleema Khan, the sister of former prime minister Imran Khan. Aleema is among 11 individuals charged with arson and obstructing government operations during a PTI protest on November 26 last year. The case is being heard by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah.

At the start of proceedings, the court was informed that defence lawyers planned to argue an application filed by one of the accused, Safai, challenging the court’s jurisdiction. The judge noted that all 11 accused, including Aleema, had already been formally indicted. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah told the court that terrorism-linked sections had been applied based on allegations of arson and encirclement during the protest.

Tensions peaked when Aleema attempted to leave the courtroom, saying, “Our lawyers are busy in the Supreme Court, we should be allowed to go.” Women police officers intercepted her and escorted her back inside. The prosecution maintained she was “in judicial custody under Section 351,” and therefore could not exit without judicial approval.

Defence lawyer Faisal Malik objected strongly, arguing that Aleema had appeared voluntarily and that there was “no order to take her into custody”. He described the police action as “unacceptable” and urged the court to take action against the officers involved. In response to the heated exchange, the judge remarked, “If you had come on time, this might not have happened”.

According to Dawn, tensions in the courtroom rose further as the prosecution accused the defence of delaying the trial. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah said eight police witnesses were present despite their official duties and that repeated adjournments were hampering the case.

After hearing arguments, the court allowed Aleema Khan to continue on bail and directed her and the other accused to pay PKR 10,000 each to the eight police witnesses for repeated inconvenience caused by delays. Defence lawyers also urged the court to order the unfreezing of bank accounts linked to Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust and Namal University in Mianwali. Responding, the prosecutor said, “We regret that Shaukat Khanum’s account had to be frozen due to the irresponsible behaviour of the accused.” Aleema told the court she trusted that justice would prevail. The hearing was adjourned until December 1.

(With ANI inputs)