ATC orders formal trial after medical report finds no mental illness in suspect

ISLAMABAD, Jul 08 (APP): An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ruled that the main accused, Hashim Abbasi, is mentally fit to stand trial in a case related to the deaths of four Rangers personnel during the PTI protest on November 26.

Following the medical assessment, the court decided to begin formal trial proceedings and summoned prosecution witnesses.

The case concerns allegations that four Rangers officials were killed after being run over by a vehicle during the protest. Hashim Abbasi has been named as the main accused in the case.

The court had been awaiting a medical report on the accused’s mental condition, which delayed significant progress in the proceedings for nearly eight months. In December last year, the court directed a medical board to examine the accused and submit its findings.

According to the report presented before the court, Hashim Abbasi does not suffer from any mental illness and is capable of facing trial. The report noted that he experiences only mild anxiety and does not require any special consideration regarding his mental fitness.

After reviewing the findings, the court concluded that there was no legal obstacle to continuing the proceedings. It ordered the prosecution witnesses to appear before the court so that evidence can be recorded and the trial can move forward.

The Anti-Terrorism Court has adjourned the hearing until tomorrow for further proceedings.

The case also names PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur, and several others among the accused.