An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad issued a bailable arrest warrant for Omar Ayub, the National Assembly Opposition Leader and a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in connection with a protest held on October 4, 2024. The case, registered at Shahzad Town police station, stems from clashes between PTI supporters and Islamabad police during demonstrations ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
The court, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, issued the warrant due to Ayub’s absence at the hearing. The judge also canceled bail for other PTI suspects who failed to appear. However, Senator Azam Swati, another PTI leader, was granted an exemption from attendance after submitting a plea. The case has been adjourned until July 30, 2025, with the court directing all accused to ensure their presence.
The October 4 protest saw significant unrest, with PTI activists defying security measures and clashing with law enforcement, leading to over 100 arrests, including Imran Khan’s sisters. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users criticizing the warrant as politically motivated, while others note the legal proceedings as routine for protest-related cases. The PTI has faced ongoing legal challenges, with multiple leaders, including Ayub, named in cases linked to protests in 2024 and earlier incidents like the May 9, 2023, riots.
Ayub, a prominent PTI figure, has been vocal about his party’s struggles, previously alleging authorities are targeting opposition leaders. The court’s decision adds to the mounting legal pressures on PTI, with other leaders like Imran Khan and Ali Amin Gandapur also facing charges related to protests. The next hearing will likely shed light on how Ayub and other accused navigate these legal hurdles.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 24th, 2025
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