Radio Pakistan attack case: Court orders absent accused produced at next hearing

PESHAWAR: The Special Anti-Terrorism Court on Saturday adjourned the proceedings into the Radio Pakistan building attack case until December 4 and ordered that all absent accused to appear at the next hearing.

During the hearing, 41 accused, including provincial Minister Meena Khan and MNA Asif Khan, appeared before the court.

However, 32 others, including lawmakers Fazal Elahi and Arbab Waseem, failed to appear. The court was informed that eight of the accused were in hiding, prompting it to initiate proceedings to declare them absconders.

According to the prosecution, the accused stormed the Radio Pakistan building on May 9, setting it ablaze and damaging vehicles parked there.

Following the incident, an FIR was registered against 81 people at the East Cantonment Police Station. Investigations were completed, and a charge-sheet was submitted to the court. So far, 41 accused have appeared in court, while 32 remain absent. The court directed all absent accused to appear at the next hearing and adjourned further proceedings until December 4.