An anti-terrorism court in Islamabad has acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Azam Khan Swati in a case alleging that he provided financial support for the October 4 protest.
During Friday’s hearing, Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra delivered the verdict and observed that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra said not a single prosecution witness had testified against Swati, despite allegations that he had financed the protest.
The ATC judge also noted that the prosecution had failed to produce any bank account or financial record to support the claim.
Judge Sipra further remarked that when the case was registered against Azam Swati, he was already in prison, raising further questions over the prosecution’s allegations.
Addressing Swati during the hearing, the judge said that his acquittal would not affect the remaining accused in the case.
He explained that the other defendants would face separate trials because the nature of the allegations against them was different.
The case against Azam Swati had been registered at Noon Police Station in Islamabad over allegations that he provided financial assistance for the October 4 protest.
Last year on November 5, a court in Islamabad also acquitted PTI leader Senator Azam Swati in two cases of controversial tweets. Additional District and Sessions Judge Afzal Majoka pronounced the verdict.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had registered two cases against Swati for making controversial tweets.
Six days ago, the court reserved the verdict in the case against PTI leader Azam Swati and announced it would pronounce the verdict on November 5.
Earlier, written arguments were submitted by Swati.
It should be noted that during the trial, Swati had also submitted a defence statement. The decision was reserved after the completion of arguments by both parties.
