ATC grants permanent exemption to PM Khan in 2014 sit-in cases

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) granted on Tuesday Prime Minister Imran Khan permanent exemption from appearing in the 2014 sit-in cases against him.

During the hearing today, ATC Judge Syed Kausar Abbas Zaidi accepted Babar Awan counsel of PM Khan's request to grant the premier permanent exemption from appearing before the court. The prosecutor in reply to the judge's question said that he had no reservations in the PM being granted permanent exemption, local media reported.

Judge Zaidi then accepted Awan's request and granted permanent exemption to PM Khan. The premier's counsel will now be appearing on behalf of him.

ATC clears Imran Khan in SSP Asmatullah Junejo attack case

The ATC also accepted exemption pleas of Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). President Arif Alvi who is also accused in the same case,will also seek immunity.

PM Khan along with others have been accused in a case pertaining to attacks on Pakistan Television and Parliament House during the 2014 sit-ins and forcibly releasing the suspects. PM Khan has already been cleared by the ATC in the case of attacking senior superintendent of police Ullah Junejo,

Pakistan Awami Tehreek chief Tahirul Qadri, along with PTI, had protested and both the parties clashed with policemen. Qadri, Khan and others were later booked for their alleged involvement in the attacks.