RAWALPINDI ( The COW News Digital) The Punjab government has withdrawn the notification for the jail trial in the GHQ attack case, shifting the proceedings back to the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi.
According to official sources, a new notification has been issued, effectively cancelling the previous order that had allowed the trial to be held inside Adiala Jail. This decision marks a significant change in the handling of one of Pakistan’s most high-profile cases, which involves the attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) during the violent protests of May 9.
Sources revealed that following the withdrawal of the jail trial notification, all hearings related to the GHQ attack case will now take place in the ATC Rawalpindi, under normal judicial procedures. Security arrangements are expected to be tightened around the court premises to ensure the safety of all participants during the hearings.
Notably, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is among those accused in connection with the case, will appear via video link when required by the court. This arrangement is aimed at balancing security considerations with legal transparency, allowing the proceedings to move forward without logistical hurdles.
Other suspects involved in the GHQ attack case and related cases will physically appear before the ATC in Rawalpindi. Legal analysts say the move is likely to accelerate the trial process, which had faced delays due to the security and administrative complexities of holding court sessions inside the prison.
The GHQ attack case remains one of the most significant legal challenges arising from the events of May 9, when military installations and public properties were targeted during nationwide protests. The government has repeatedly vowed to ensure strict accountability for those found guilty of involvement in attacks on state institutions.
Political observers believe this latest decision could be a step toward greater judicial openness, potentially easing criticism from human rights groups that had questioned the fairness of jail trials. The upcoming court sessions will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers as the case continues to unfold.
