ATC indicts PTI leaders Raoof Hasan, Ahmed Waqas in terror-link case

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad on Monday framed charges against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Raoof Hasan and Ahmed Waqas Janjua in a case alleging links with terrorists.

The charges were framed by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. Raoof Hasan appeared before the court along with his counsel, Advocate Ayesha Khalid. Both Hasan and Janjua pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court directed prosecution witnesses to ensure their presence at the next hearing and adjourned the proceedings until February 23.

Raoof Hasan serves as PTI’s central secretary for information and spokesperson, while Ahmed Waqas Janjua is the party’s international media coordinator.

The case traces back to July 2024, when the Ministry of Interior announced the formation of a joint investigation team to probe alleged “anti-state propaganda” linked to PTI’s digital media operations. The inquiry was initiated under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (Peca) following raids and arrests involving both Hasan and Janjua.

Subsequently, Hasan was arrested in a terrorism-related case after a statement attributed to Janjua, with prosecutors alleging that Hasan had provided Rs300,000 to “incite terror”. At the time, the court granted the Counter Terrorism Department physical remand of Hasan for investigation.

In January 2025, proceedings in a separate case against Hasan—also related to alleged propaganda against state institutions—were delayed after the prosecution once again failed to submit a charge sheet, prompting the court to adjourn the hearing.