The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has issued a detailed verdict rebuking former Prime Minister Imran Khan for his repeated refusal to undergo court-directed polygraph and photogrammetric tests, stating his actions have stalled the investigation. In a three-page written order, Judge Manzar Ali Gill noted that while Khan was given “full and fair opportunities” to cooperate, his persistent rejections left the probe at an impasse.
The court observed that while ordinary accused persons are seldom permitted to decline such forensic examinations, Khan not only refused testing but also avoided engaging with investigators. The verdict highlighted that his resistance—spanning two formal opportunities—created “reasonable apprehension” about his intent to avoid trial proceedings.
Judge Gill clarified that while the law prohibits forcibly administering these tests, Khan’s blanket refusal deprived investigators of critical evidence. The ruling stressed that such obstructions compel reliance on “alternative technical methods,” potentially weakening the case’s evidentiary foundation.
With the ATC refusing a third chance, the judgment signals dwindling judicial patience. Legal experts suggest the ruling could influence other pending cases against Khan, where his legal team’s strategy of challenging procedural steps faces increasing scrutiny. The order underscores the tension between defendants’ rights and the state’s investigative imperatives in high-profile trials.