An Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court has acquitted Azam Khan Swati in a case related to the alleged financing of the October 4 protest.
Announcing the verdict, Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra said that none of the prosecution’s witnesses testified against Azam Swati. He noted that although the prosecution accused Swati of providing financial support for the protest, it failed to produce a single bank account or any financial evidence to substantiate the allegation.
Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra further observed that Swati was already in jail when the case was registered against him. He clarified that Swati’s acquittal would not affect the remaining accused, as they face different allegations and their trial will continue separately.
Earlier, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf leaders (PTI) were sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in the May 9 GOR Gate attack case. While Shah Mehmood Qureshi had been acquitted in the same case.
ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill announced the decision at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The court sentenced Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Ijaz Chaudhry to ten years in prison.
The court handed down a ten-year prison term to Mehmoodur Rasheed as well. However, Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in the case.
The court ordered the arrest and production of four proclaimed offenders, Farooq Anjum, Habib Ahmed, Arsalan, and Akbar Khan.
The judge had reserved the verdict after completing the trial proceedings.
During the trial, the prosecution recorded statements of 56 witnesses.
A total of 25 accused were nominated in the case, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Mehmoodur Rasheed.
The challan of all 25 accused was submitted before the court.
Race Course police registered the case over the attack at Club Chowk GOR Gate.
According to the FIR, the accused vandalised security cameras at Club Chowk GOR Gate.
The FIR stated that police wireless sets and glass panels at GOR Gate were also damaged. It added that government property was damaged and police personnel were attacked.
PTI leaders are accused of inciting workers to violence, riots, and rebellion on May 9.
Also read: Islamabad ATC bars arrest of PTI leaders until May 21
