ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairperson Imran Khan said it was funny how terrorism cases were filed against him though his protest in August 2014 was only part of a political struggle.

Imran said this while speaking to the media outside the anti-terrorism court Thursday, where he appeared in case related to injuries caused to the then SSP, Asmatullah Junejo, during an attack in the Red Zone.ATC Judge Shahrukh Arjumand summoned Imran today during a hearing on January 31.

During hearing in the case, Imran filed a request for acquittal. A request for Imran?s exemption from court appearance was also filed.

Subsequently, the court ordered the copies of both requests be provided to the prosecution.

However, Imran?s counsel requested a decision be made on acquittal before he is indicted.

The court adjourned the case until February 26 when remaining cases will also be heard, saying Imran will have to appear before the court until his exemption is approved. 

The ATC is hearing cases against PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek leadership, including that of the attack on the state television building, Parliament and Junejo.

The case

On September 1, 2014, violence broke out in the federal capital when PTI and PAT supporters attempted to break a police cordon and storm the PM House, using cranes to remove barricades.

The decision to march to the PM House was taken after talks between the government, PTI and PAT had failed to end the deadlock over the resignation of the then-prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The two parties were protesting 'rigging' in the 2013 general elections.

ATC summons Imran Khan on Feb 15 in SSP Junejo attack case

PTI chairman Imran Khan and other party leaders are named in several cases pertaining to violence during the 2014 sit-in in Islamabad

The clashes between police and protesters resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to over 560.

Of the injured, 77 were security officials deployed in the Red Zone, including SSP Junejo, had to spend several days in the ICU due to the serious nature of his injuries.

It was Junejo's first day on the post, after assuming command from Ali Nekokara. Junejo, known as an upright officer, was recently posted back to the capital as the assistant inspector general (operations).