Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has dismissed applications filed by several lawyers associated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), seeking the removal of anti-terrorism provisions from a case related to the alleged assault and torture of Khawar Maneka.
According to Beyond Time News, the court rejected the pleas on Thursday and ordered that the case proceed under the existing legal framework, including the anti-terrorism charges already included in the First Information Report (FIR).
Court Rejects Applications Filed by PTI Lawyers
The case came before Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who heard arguments regarding requests to strike out provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) from the ongoing proceedings.
Several PTI-affiliated lawyers, including Naeem Haider Panjotha and Fathullah Barki, had filed applications challenging the inclusion of terrorism-related sections in the case. They argued that the allegations did not fall within the scope of anti-terrorism laws and sought their removal from the FIR.
However, after reviewing the matter, the court rejected the applications and maintained the existing charges.
The decision means that the accused individuals will continue to face proceedings under the anti-terrorism framework as the case moves forward.
Hearing Adjourned Until July
Following the dismissal of the applications, the court adjourned further proceedings until July 6, when the next hearing is expected to take place.
Legal observers note that the court’s decision represents an important procedural development in the case, as it allows the prosecution to continue pursuing charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act at this stage of the trial.
The court did not issue any immediate order regarding the merits of the allegations, focusing solely on the applications concerning the removal of terrorism-related provisions.
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Background of the Case
The case relates to allegations involving the assault and torture of Khawar Maneka, a matter that has attracted considerable public and political attention.
According to Beyond Time News, authorities registered the case at Ramna Police Station in Islamabad. The FIR includes provisions under the Anti-Terrorism Act alongside other relevant criminal charges.
Investigators have continued examining the circumstances surrounding the incident while legal proceedings remain ongoing.
Anti-Terrorism Charges Remain in Place
The inclusion of anti-terrorism provisions in criminal cases often becomes a point of legal debate in Pakistan. Courts are frequently asked to determine whether alleged actions meet the legal criteria required under anti-terrorism laws.
In this instance, the Anti-Terrorism Court concluded that the applications seeking the deletion of ATA sections lacked sufficient grounds at this stage of the proceedings.
As a result, the charges will remain part of the case unless a higher court issues a different ruling or future legal developments alter the course of proceedings.
Political and Legal Significance
The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of lawyers associated with PTI, one of Pakistan’s major political parties. Legal analysts say the court’s ruling underscores the importance of judicial scrutiny when determining whether terrorism-related provisions should apply in specific cases.
Meanwhile, both prosecution and defence teams are expected to continue presenting their arguments as the trial progresses.
The outcome of future hearings may shape the direction of the case and determine how the allegations are ultimately addressed under Pakistani law.
What Happens Next?
With the applications dismissed, the case will proceed before the Anti-Terrorism Court under its current legal status.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 6, when the court is expected to continue examining evidence and hearing arguments from both sides.
Until then, the accused individuals remain subject to the charges outlined in the FIR, including the anti-terrorism provisions that the court has chosen to retain.
FAQs
What did the Anti-Terrorism Court decide?
The court rejected applications seeking the removal of anti-terrorism provisions from the Khawar Maneka assault case.
Who filed the applications?
Several PTI-affiliated lawyers, including Naeem Haider Panjotha and Fathullah Barki, filed the requests.
Which court heard the case?
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra heard the applications.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The court adjourned the case until July 6, 2026.
Where was the case registered?
Authorities registered the case at Ramna Police Station in Islamabad.
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