ATC extends interim bail for PTI leaders in Nov 26 protest cases

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Thursday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in more than 230 cases related to the November 26 Sangjani rally, protests outside the Supreme Court, and other demonstrations. ATC Judge Abul Hasnat Muhammad Zulqarnain, who heard the case, also ordered authorities not to arrest the PTI leaders until May 21. PTI leaders, including Umer Niazi, Raoof Hasan and Azam Swati appeared before the court. The court directed both sides to present arguments at the next hearing. Multiple cases have been registered against the PTI leaders at Tarnol, Ramna, Aabpara and Secretariat police stations, among others. Read: ATC fast-tracks PTI protest case hearings The November 26 protests were sparked by a call from former prime minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), for a “do-or-die” sit-in in Islamabad. Thousands of supporters marched on the capital demanding the release of jailed PTI leaders, including Khan, and the resignation of the government over alleged rigging in the 2024 general elections. The demonstrations turned violent as protesters attempted to breach barricades and enter the capital’s high-security Red Zone, leading to clashes with police and paramilitary forces, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. The case has a long history, as an anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi sentenced 82 PTI workers to four months in prison and fined them Rs15,000 each after they pleaded guilty to taking part in violent protests on November 26, 2024, which left three Rangers personnel and a policeman dead. The accused admitted they were incited by party leadership, sought leniency, and pledged not to join future protests, while the Supreme Court separately granted bail to PTI Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and Farhat Abbas in May 9 cases, directing completion of the trial within four months.