The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has issued arrest warrants for the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub, due to his failure to appear in court for the May 9 riots and vandalism case.
The hearing for the case, related to the unrest and destruction in Mianwali on May 9, took place at the ATC in Sargodha. Judge Mohammad Naeem Sheikh presided over the session, and strict security arrangements were made around the court during the hearing.
Several accused, including Punjab Assembly’s Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bacher, Sanam Javed, Aaliya Hamza, MNA Bilal Ijaz, and dozens of workers, appeared in court. However, Omar Ayub once again failed to appear. His lawyers submitted a medical certificate to the court on his behalf.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with Ayub’s repeated absences, stating that he had missed three consecutive hearings.
Due to his absence, the court could not proceed with the indictment of the other accused. Consequently, the court issued arrest warrants for senior PTI leader Omar Ayub.
The court then adjourned the hearing for the May 9 Mianwali riots and vandalism case until January 30.