LAHORE: Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has escalated actions in the May 9 violence cases by naming seven individuals among them prominent political figures as proclaimed offenders while issuing perpetual, non-bailable arrest warrants against them.
In a recent hearing, the ATC officially declared Hammad Azhar, Zubair Khan Niazi, and five others as proclaimed offenders in connection with the GOR Gate attack on May 9.
Presided over by ATC Administrative Judge Manzar Ali Gill, the court highlighted the accused’s persistent non-compliance with repeated summons, prompting stern measures.
Perpetual arrest warrants were handed down for Hammad Azhar, Zubair Khan Niazi, Akbar Khan, and Masood Ahmed Subhani. Additionally, similar warrants were issued for Arsalan bin Basharat, Farooq Anjum, and Habib Ahmed. These actions extend to both the Club Chowk and GOR Gate attack cases, tied to the unrest witnessed on May 9.
The ATC underlined that the continued failure of the accused to present themselves before the court necessitated firm action under anti-terrorism laws.
This intensification of legal measures represents a pivotal turn in addressing the May 9 violence cases. By declaring the accused as proclaimed offenders and issuing perpetual arrest warrants, the court has heightened pressure on those allegedly involved in attacks on state installations and sensitive sites in Lahore.
