A counter-terrorism court in Gilgit-Baltistan has sentenced former Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan to 34 years in prison for threatening security agencies.
Cases of incitement and terrorism were registered against Khalid Khurshid Khan following a protest in July 2024. It is noteworthy that in December 2023, the Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan had disqualified Khalid Khurshid for five years in a fake degree case, which led to the dissolution of his government. Khalid Khurshid became the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s tenure.
In its verdict, Anti-Terrorism Court No. 1 of Gilgit-Baltistan stated that according to the prosecution, Khalid Khurshid, during a protest in Gilgit on July 26, 2024, threatened the Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, police officials, and intelligence agencies, stating that if he returned to power, he would not spare anyone.
The case alleged that Khalid Khurshid incited hostility against sensitive institutions. The court’s decision mentioned that after the case was filed, a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was formed to investigate Khalid Khurshid Khan. The JIT found him guilty during its inquiry.
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The court stated that multiple notices were sent to Khalid Khurshid Khan, informing him through various means to appear before the court. However, he failed to appear, leading to the appointment of a state lawyer on his behalf. The court’s verdict declared that the prosecution successfully proved the charges against Khalid Khurshid. Consequently, he was sentenced to a total of 34 years in prison and fined under various charges.
The police have been instructed to arrest Khalid Khurshid Khan and enforce the punishment. The court has also directed NADRA to block Khalid Khurshid’s national identity card. It is noteworthy that Khalid Khurshid, the former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, is currently absconding.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Gilgit-Baltistan has rejected the court’s decision, stating that the struggle against oppression will continue.
