Attack on Khawar Maneka took a dramatic turn on Thursday. Police registered a case under anti-terrorism laws and other charges against a group of lawyers. These lawyers are accused of “attacking and manhandling” Khawar Maneka at the court premises. This happened as Maneka was leaving the judicial complex after appearing in the Iddat case the previous day.
The case, lodged at Ramna police station, includes charges under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It also involves sections 324, 504, 186, 506ii, 147, 149, 341, 353, and 382 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Interestingly, the FIR wasn’t filed by the victim but by Imtiaz Ahmed, an inspector of the capital police. The FIR names six lawyers and 20 to 25 unidentified people, including some women.
According to the FIR, a crowd gathered outside the courtroom of the judge at the District and Session Courts in G-11/4. This was shortly after hearings involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. The crowd started chanting slogans in support of Khan. They had begun gathering as Khawar Maneka attended his Iddat case proceedings before Judge Shahrukh Arjumand.
A lawyer allegedly threatened and attacked Maneka as he exited the courtroom. He punched Maneka in the neck. Other lawyers joined the assault, causing Maneka to fall. The FIR states that lawyers and private individuals, including women, intercepted Maneka to beat him. They also incited others to join in. The assailants attempted to snatch weapons from two constables and tortured witnesses in the court. The attackers even tore the uniforms of the police officials.
These acts created fear, panic, and terror among the officials, witnesses, complainants, and other people present at the court. The FIR suggests the motive was to influence the court’s decision by spreading fear.
PTI leader Amir Masood Mughal condemned the case. He called it a “false terrorism case” against Imran Khan’s legal team. He claimed it was a conspiracy by the ‘illegitimate’ government. Mughal asserted that lawyers and activists would not be intimidated by such tactics.
Mughal also criticized Mohsin Naqvi, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, for allegedly orchestrating false cases. He claimed that Naqvi brought the same tactics to the capital. On Wednesday, Manika reportedly used vulgar language against Imran Khan during his court appearance. An unknown person slapped Manika on his way out. Mughal claimed this slap led to the terrorism case against Khan’s legal team, driven by the prime minister and interior minister. Despite the charges, the legal team secured pre-arrest bail from the anti-terrorism court through their counsel.
The attack on Khawar Maneka has led to serious legal repercussions, highlighting the ongoing tension and political drama surrounding the case.
