Court Issues Arrest Warrants in 2014 Sit-In Case Involving Dr. Tahirul Qadri

The Judicial Magistrate of Secretariat, Shahzad Khan, has initiated proceedings against Dr. Tahirul Qadri, Chairman of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), in connection with the 2014 sit-in case, Dawn online newspaper reported. The court issued arrest warrants for MNA Khurram Shahzad, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and other absent accused individuals.

During the hearing, the court noted Dr. Qadri’s continued absence despite multiple summons and began steps to declare him an absconder. The proceedings also involved former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who sought permanent exemption from appearance in related cases, leading the court to adjourn hearings until May 5.

Two cases have been filed against Khan and others at the Secretariat Police Station. The sit-in, initiated by PAT and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in August 2014, aimed to oust then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PAT ended its protest in October, while PTI continued until December of the same year.