ATC adjourns protest case hearing

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Mar, 2026) A special anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi on Wednesday granted a one-day exemption from personal appearance to Aleema Khanum, sister of the former PTI chairman and adjourned proceedings in the Nov. 26 protest case until March 9.

Other accused persons nominated in the case appeared before the court.

Defence counsel Faisal Malik filed the application seeking exemption, stating that his client was unable to attend due to the former chairman’s health condition and other legal engagements.

Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah opposed the request, arguing that the trial was nearing completion and only cross-examination of the final witness remained.

He said repeated applications for exemption appeared intended to delay the proceedings.

Earlier during proceedings, Malik informed the court that it had previously issued directions to jail authorities regarding the signing of powers of attorney, but that the documents had not been signed for several months. He said the delay had prevented the filing of appeals and other petitions.

On the defence counsel’s request, the court directed its staff to once again seek a report from jail authorities regarding the status of the attorney.