Dr. Shahbaz Gill declared proclaimed offender in sedition case

ISLAMABAD, July 26 (SABAH): A district and sessions court in the federal capital on Wednesday declared Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Shabbir Gill proclaimed offender in the sedition case.

Additional Sessions Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the ruling after the suspect failed to show up in court for long despite issuance of multiple summons.

The court started the process to seize properties of Shahbaz Gill as the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) have submitted details of his properties.

During the hearing, the court also rejected two pleas by the PTI leader for virtual appearance and stay on trial.

Judge Sipra remarked that the proceedings for declaring a suspect proclaimed offender could not be halted unless the suspect appeared in court. He said Gill had been facilitated to move abroad.

Shahbaz Gill’s lawyer said the PTI leader went abroad for treatment. Later, the court adjourned the hearing till Aug 31.