ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) commenced the hearing of violence cases related to 2014 sit-ins against PTI Chairman Imran Khan. 

The ATC is hearing four cases ? attack on the state television building, Parliament and Junejo ? against PTI and Pakistan Awami Tehreek leaders.

Imran, whose exemption plea had been rejected by the court on February 23, was absent as the hearing began early morning after assisting defence counsel Shahid Gondal appeared before the court. 

Judge Shahrukh Arjumand, who is hearing the cases, ordered a one-hour recess. 

The PTI chief reached the court premises after the recess ended. 

Imran's legal counsel, on February 15, had submitted two pleas to the anti-terrorism court seeking acquittal and exemption from appearance. His legal counsel had pleaded the court to take up the acquittal plea before the indictment of his client  

The PTI chief was issued summons on January 31. He had later appeared before the court at the last hearing. Judge Arjumand had heard the case regarding injuries sustained by SSP Asmatullah Junejo's in an attack in the Red Zone during the PTI-led sit-in.

Imran had termed the cases 'undemocratic,' adding that holding a public gathering was not terrorism. The ATC judge had remarked that the cases will be handled according to law.

The cases

In August 2014, Khan and Tahirul Qadri took to streets in Islamabad against alleged rigging in 2013 general elections and Model Town sit-in. The protest had continued for 104 days.

During the sit-in, the protesters beat up SSP Asmatullah Junejo on Constitution Avenue when they attacked the Pakistan Television (PTV) headquarters and the parts of the Parliament.

A case had been filed against Khan, Qadri and others for torturing SSP Junejo and five other police officers.

The PTI chief had pleaded the court to transfer the cases to civil court however the request was rejected on December 11, 2017.