ISLAMABAD:
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday disqualified Senator Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhary, National Assembly Member (MNA) Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Member (MPA) Ahmad Khan Bhachar, following their conviction by anti-terrorism courts (ATCs).
The ECP disqualified the three lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) under Article 63 (1) H of the Constitution, according to two notifications issued here. Following the disqualification, the ECP declared three seats vacant, which would be filled through by-elections.
“ln pursuance of order dated 22.07.2025 passed by the Court of Muhammad Naeem Sheikh, Special Judge, Anti-Terrorism Court Sargodha, in case No.2606/SC/20.06.2023, Trial No.1003fl/ATC/26.08.2024 titled “The State Vs Zafar Ullah Khan & others” whereby Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, Member National Assembly from Constituency No. NA-66 Wazirabad and Ahmad Khan, Member Provincial Assembly of Punjab from Constituency No. PP-87 Mianwali-lll have been convicted and sentenced for imprisonment of 10 years,” said an ECP notification.
“As a consequence, Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, MNA from NA-66 Wazirabad and Ahmad Khan, MPA, Provincial Assembly Punjab from PP-87 Mianwali-lll have become disqualified under Article 63(1Xh) of the Constitution of lslamic Republic of Pakistan for being members of National Assembly and Provincial Assembly of Punjab respectively,” it added.
“Resultantly, notification No.F.2(5)/2024-Cord(1)dated 16th February 2024 to the extent of Mohammad Ahmed Chattha and notification No.F.2(6)/2024-Cord dated 17tt February, 2024 to the extent of Ahmad Khan as returned candidates, are hereby recalled with immediate effect.”
The ATC in Sargodha had convicted and sentenced Chattha, MNA from NA-66 Wazirabad, and Bhachar MPA from PP-87 Mianwali-lll and the opposition leader in Punjab Assembly – to 10-years imprisonment for violence on May 9, 2023.
Similarly, the ATC-lll, Lahore, had convicted Senator Ejaz Ahmad Chaudhary and awarded 10-year jail term to him in a case stemming from the May 9 violence – the attacks on the military installation by the PTI supporters following the arrest of party founder Imran Khan in a corruption case.
As a result, several PTI leaders and workers were arrested and tried in different courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.
Last week, the two ATCs found dozens of PTI leaders and workers – including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary and Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar – guilty of aiding and abetting the rioting on May 9, 2023 and sentenced them to various prison terms.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was, however, among the few, who were acquitted of the charges in one of the cases registered in Lahore. The verdicts came before completion of the August deadline set by the Supreme Court for wrapping up the May 9 cases.
The Sargodha ATC sentenced 32 people, including 10 years in prison to Bhachar and Chattha. The Mianwali police had registered the case against PTI lawmakers, workers and supporters for creating anarchy, resorting to arson and inciting people to vandalism.
The Lahore ATC sentenced eight PTI leaders to 10 years in prison for creating anarchy and resorting to arson at Lahore’s Sherpao bridge. The ATC judge, however, acquitted six PTI leaders and workers, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in the same case.
