LAHORE:
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) denounced the verdicts issued by anti-terrorism courts, sentencing senior party leader Dr Yasmin Rashid and 40 others to 10 years in prison in connection with the May 9 riots case. The party labelled the decision politically motivated and a serious blow to judicial integrity.
PTI has called the ruling an attempt to disrupt its planned rally on August 5, intended to mark the anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest. Despite the setback, the party has vowed to continue with its political activities.
Dr Yasmin, 72, a former provincial health minister and cancer survivor, has been in custody for nearly two years. PTI highlighted footage from May 9, in which she can be heard discouraging demonstrators from entering the Corps Commander House, arguing that the evidence undermines the charges brought against her.
Party officials alleged that the convictions are part of a broader campaign of political retaliation, pointing out that PTI leaders who publicly distanced themselves from the party were acquitted in similar cases. Those who remained loyal, they argue, are now facing disproportionate legal consequences.
PTI further questioned the credibility of witness testimony presented in the trial. According to the party, the sole witness—an on-duty police constable—initially claimed to have overheard PTI founder Imran Khan planning the May 9 events. However, during subsequent proceedings via video link, the witness reportedly declined to confirm that testimony under oath.
Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years in May 9 riots case
“This inconsistent and allegedly coerced testimony raises serious concerns about due process,” the party stated, adding that differing outcomes for similarly charged individuals call into question the impartiality of the judicial process.
The party also criticised ongoing restrictions on access to Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated. PTI claims that Khan’s family members, legal team, and party leaders have been denied visitation rights, in violation of both Pakistani prison regulations and international human rights standards.
Under the Prison Act of 1894 and the Jail Rules of 1978, PTI argues that Khan, as a former prime minister and an A-Class prisoner, is entitled to designated legal and personal privileges. These include access to private quarters, medical treatment, consultation with personal physicians and attorneys, visitation rights, and adequate time for exercise.
The party maintains that these rights are legal entitlements, not discretionary benefits, and urged authorities to ensure compliance with national and international norms regarding the treatment of prisoners.
Also More: Punjab opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case
A day earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots.
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.
ATC Sargodha also 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.
HRCP flags May 9 verdicts
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern over the recent convictions handed down by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore against senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and others.
These leaders have already spent over two years in detention in connection with the events of May 9, 2023.
HRCP notes with concern the convictions delivered by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore against senior @PTIofficial leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and others who have already served over two years in prison in connection with the events of…
— Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) July 23, 2025
According to the HRCP, each of the convicted individuals has been sentenced to ten years in prison. The Commission noted that the timing and severity of the sentences risk creating the perception of political victimisation, rather than being viewed as the outcome of a transparent judicial process.
While acknowledging that accountability is necessary for violent or unlawful actions, the HRCP raised concerns over the use of anti-terrorism laws against political figures. It questioned whether the sentences were proportionate and consistent with the principles of justice.
The HRCP further warned that such verdicts could erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Talal rejects victimisation claims
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has dismissed allegations of political victimisation in the May 9 cases, asserting that the recent convictions were based on “clear evidence and facts.”
In a televised message on Wednesday, the minister expressed deep regret over the violent incidents that unfolded on May 9 last year, describing the unrest as “unprecedented chaos incited by a political party” in the country’s history.
Chaudhry said that sensitive installations, including police stations, Lahore’s Jinnah House, and both public and private properties, were attacked and set ablaze.
He maintained that substantial evidence—including video footage and statements by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders—linked the party to the violence. “The planning for these acts took place at the homes of PTI leaders,” he alleged.
The minister reiterated the government’s stance that accountability must be ensured through legal and constitutional means, stressing that the sentences handed down by the courts were grounded in law, not politics.
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.
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.
