Zartaj among six indicted in May 9 attack cases

FAISALABAD: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad indicted six individuals, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zartaj Gul, in two cases related to the May-9 attack on a sensitive institution’s office.

Speaking to the media, Zartaj Gul dismissed the cases as fabricated, stating, “The charges being framed against us are baseless. We did not commit the alleged crimes. The PMLN is obsessed with chanting May-9 mantra, but they would not be able to prove these accusations.”

The court heard four cases related to the May-9 riots, during which the PTI leaders, including Zartaj Gul, Rai Haider Kharal, Hassan Zaka Niazi, and other party members, appeared before the judge.

The court framed charges against Zartaj Gul, MPA Rai Murtaza Iqbal, Mehar Javed, and three others in two cases; one registered at Civil Lines Police Station regarding an attack on a sensitive institution’s building and the other at Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station. Addressing the media outside the court, Zartaj defended the PTI’s actions, stating that people protested on Nov 24 against injustices and for supremacy of the law. “Our question remains why was violence used against peaceful demonstrators? Shots were fired; why?” she asked. She also highlighted the restrictions placed on the party’s leadership, saying, “Our leader is being subjected to numerous constraints in jail.” Stressing the importance of dialogue, Zartaj added, “If issues can be resolved through negotiations, it’s good, and our leader has formed a committee for the purpose.”

Zartaj Gul demanded establishment of a judicial commission to investigate events of May 9 and November 24. “Civil disobedience is the last resort,” she warned, adding that such measures should not become necessary. However, she asserted that if the party leadership calls for action, people will take to the streets, and civil disobedience could be part of the response.