Rawalpindi, December 5, 2024 – An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, presided over by Judge Amjad Ali Shah, has formally charged former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with more than 100 party leaders and workers, in the GHQ attack case related to the events of May 9, 2023. Former federal ministers Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Omar Ayub are also among those indicted.
The charge sheet accuses Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders of orchestrating and carrying out an attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ), inciting rebellion against the armed forces, and premeditatedly targeting military installations. The allegations suggest that these acts were part of a calculated effort to undermine national security, destabilize the country, and threaten the integrity of the state.
It further claims that the PTI leadership adopted organized tactics similar to those used by terrorist organizations to advance political goals. The violent protests, which aimed to exert pressure on the government, have been classified as acts of terrorism. A report released by the Punjab Home Department in July 2023 underscored the gravity of the May 9 events.
The accused are also charged with damaging 102 vehicles and orchestrating attacks on 26 government buildings. The financial loss from the May 9 incidents has been estimated at PKR 1.66 billion.
Imran Khan and other accused individuals have denied the charges. The GHQ attack case is registered at the RA Bazaar Police Station and names a total of 143 individuals, including the PTI chairman.
