ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Fatehullah Burki, a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-affiliated lawyer, in a case stemming from the alleged assault on Khawar Manika, ex-husband of Bushra Bibi, ordering his arrest and production before Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, amid ongoing proceedings linked to Imran Khan’s legal battles.
The incident was reported on May 29, 2024, inside or near the ATC premises in Islamabad during hearings related to the iddat nikkah case against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi. PTI supporters and lawyers, including Burki, allegedly attacked Manika with slaps, punches, kicks, and thrown bottles as he exited the courtroom, leading to an FIR at Ramna police station under anti-terrorism provisions.
It may be recalled here that Burki, part of Khan’s legal team, was accused of leading the mob, inciting violence, and physically manhandling Manika.
While interim bails were granted earlier to some accused, including Burki in June 2024, the ATC recently issued warrants for Burki alongside Naeem Haider Panjotha, Ansar Kayani, and Ali Ijaz Buttar due to non-appearance, with notices to their guarantors, escalating tensions in the broader politico-legal clashes involving PTI’s inner circle and Manika, who has faced his own disputes with the Khan family.
