All eleven May 9 FIRs against the PTI founder to be tried through video link at the Rawalpindi ATC.
RAWALPINDI | Saturday, November 1, 2025: The Punjab government has announced that all eleven cases registered against former prime minister Imran Khan in connection with the May 9, 2023 riots will now be tried in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi through video link proceedings from Adiala Jail, where the PTI founder remains imprisoned.
According to a notification by the Punjab Home Department, the decision has been taken under Sections 15(2) and 21(2)(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, to ensure Imran Khan’s security and prevent any untoward incidents during court appearances.
Trials Moved to Rawalpindi ATC
The order specifies that all FIRs registered at police stations including RA Bazaar, Civil Lines, City, Waris Khan, New Town, Morgah, Sadiqabad, Saddar Wah, and Cantt will now be tried through the Rawalpindi ATC via a video link connection from Adiala Jail.
This new directive replaces earlier notifications issued on June 21, 2023, October 4, 2023, and November 6, 2024. The last of these orders had been withdrawn by the provincial government after being challenged before the Lahore High Court (LHC).
With this latest notification, Punjab has reinstated its decision to conduct Imran Khan’s trials remotely, a move that could accelerate proceedings but has also reignited debate over fair trial rights.
Court Endorses Government’s Decision
An Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi earlier dismissed a PTI petition opposing virtual appearances. Judge Amjad Ali Shah ruled that the government’s notification was valid, confirming that the accused would continue to attend hearings via video link from jail.
Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9, 2023, sparked nationwide riots, during which military installations, police stations, and government buildings, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, were attacked and vandalized.
Following the unrest, multiple FIRs were filed against PTI leaders and supporters under anti-terrorism laws.
All May 9 Cases Consolidated
The new order consolidates eleven cases from the Rawalpindi district under a single ATC, streamlining what had previously been a fragmented legal process.
These cases include charges related to attacks on military installations, public property, and police facilities during the violent protests that erupted after Khan’s arrest.
The notification has been circulated to top officials, including the Advocate General of Punjab, the Registrar of the Lahore High Court, the presiding judge of the ATC, and the Inspector General of Prisons.
It also instructs the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure the safe and uninterrupted participation of Imran Khan during all scheduled proceedings.
Legal and Political Reactions
Imran Khan’s legal team has consistently argued that holding the trials via video link undermines open justice, claiming the move is politically motivated and intended to limit public access to courtroom proceedings.
Provincial authorities, however, insist the decision is based solely on security concerns and the need to prevent possible unrest during Khan’s physical transfers.
With the new notification now in force, all pending May 9 cases in Rawalpindi will proceed simultaneously in the ATC through remote hearings, a step that may speed up trials but could also intensify debate over transparency and judicial fairness.