LAHORE:
An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years in prison on Tuesday.
The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling.
The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused individuals due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Read More: Punjab opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case
The case involves violent protests and damage caused to public and private property, including incidents of arson and vandalism, that erupted on May 9, following the arrest of the former prime minister.
Earlier, an ATC in Sargodha sentenced Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, PTI’s Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and other party workers to 10 years in prison each.
They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disturbances, anarchy, and arson during the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The ATC judge delivered the verdict after hearing detailed arguments and finding that the prosecution had established its case. The defence counsels argued that the accused were not involved in the charges brought against them, claiming that these were politically motivated cases.
May 9 Riots
The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
Also Read: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC
The military condemned the events as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.
In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons.
The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court’s instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
