Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court Rejects Bail of PTI Leader Omar Ayub, Orders Arrest
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has rejected the bail plea of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub and ordered his immediate arrest and presentation before the court.
Court Decision and Legal Proceedings
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah announced the decision, rejecting the interim bail plea of Opposition Leader and PTI leader Omar Ayub. The court noted that Ayub failed to appear for the hearing, and his lawyer, Dr. Babar Awan, was also absent.
Meanwhile, the court extended interim bail for PTI leader Sanam Javed.
Background: November 26 Protest and Charges
The case against Ayub stems from the November 26 protest, during which thousands of PTI supporters broke security barriers and defied lockdown restrictions to enter Islamabad, demanding the release of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Protesters, many armed with slingshots and sticks, clashed with security forces at D-Chowk despite the use of tear gas and rubber bullets.
In response to the escalating situation, the government invoked Article 245 of the constitution, deploying the army to assist in law enforcement.
Legal Action Against PTI Leaders
A case was filed against former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and former President Dr. Arif Alvi, along with several senior PTI leaders, for their alleged involvement in the November 26 violence. The charges were registered at Taxila Police Station under Pakistan’s anti-terrorism laws.
Prominent PTI members named in the case include:
- Opposition Leader Omar Ayub
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur
- Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan
- Former minister Azam Swati
- Taimur Masood
- Shehryar Riaz
Additionally, over 300 local PTI leaders and activists have been implicated in the case.
The rejection of Omar Ayub’s bail and his impending arrest mark a significant development in the government’s ongoing legal actions against PTI leadership. As the situation unfolds, the ruling highlights the intensifying political and legal battle between the authorities and PTI members.
