The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was presented before an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Tuesday via a WhatsApp link in connection with the May 9 GHQ attack case.

During the proceedings, the court facilitated a conversation between the PTI founder and his legal team.

However, the defence lawyers complained of audio disruptions and the unclear video of their client on the call. Citing these issues, they boycotted the court proceedings.

The court later dismissed two petitions filed by the PTI founder after hearing arguments from both sides.

During the hearing, defence counsel Faisal Malik and Salman Akram Raja appeared on behalf of the PTI founder, while Special Prosecutors Zaheer Shah and Ikram Amin were present along with their legal team.

Lawyer Faisal Malik told the court that they did not wish to participate in proceedings until they were allowed to consult with their client.

In response, the court noted: “You were facilitated to speak with the PTI founder during the last hearing, and he boycotted the proceedings. You may challenge the WhatsApp communication in the High Court.”

Faisal Malik replied: “We have already challenged the WhatsApp communication in the High Court. A WhatsApp call cannot be considered equivalent to a proper video link. We request time to challenge this court’s previous order.”

The court maintained that the trial proceedings will not be halted, saying the defence lawyers can challenge it if they wish.

At this point, Prosecutor Ikram Amin argued that the defence boycotted the last hearing and added: “The court is not obliged to answer any questions from the defence. One day, they walk out, the next day, they demand time. Their conduct shows they are not serious about the trial. They are simply wasting the court’s time.”

During the session, the statements of eight prosecution witnesses were recorded. The court summoned more prosecution witnesses to appear at the next hearing.

The court later adjourned the hearing of the GHQ attack case until September 27.