An anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad on Thursday announced its verdict in the May 9 riots case, handing down sentences to several senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Former SAPM Sahibzada Hamid Raza was sentenced to 10 years in prison. PTI leaders including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul also received 10-year prison terms.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has rejected the verdict and announced to move the Lahore High Court against the verdict of the Faisalabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC)
However, Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi, and Khayal Kastro were acquitted of all charges.
PTI MPA Junaid Afzal Sahi was sentenced to three years in prison.
Faisalabad ATC convicts PTI lawmakers in two May 9 cases
In the May 9 cases, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad has convicted a total of 196 individuals, while 88 accused have been acquitted.
An anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad has announced its verdict in two separate May 9-related cases, sentencing multiple senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including sitting MNAs, MPAs, and a senator.
According to court proceedings, six PTI Members of the National Assembly have been convicted, including Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Hamid Raza, Rai Haider Kharal, and Ahmad Chattha.
Three members of the Punjab Assembly — Junaid Afzal Sahi, Rai Murtaza Nawaz, and Ansar Iqbal Haral — were also handed down sentences.
In addition, PTI Senator Shibli Faraz has also been convicted in connection with the violent protests that erupted on May 9 following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
In total, the court sentenced 108 individuals in connection with the May 9 riots, marking a significant legal development in the post-May 9 crackdown.
Earlier, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Tuesday delivered its verdict in the high-profile Sherpao Bridge arson and siege case linked to the May 9 violence, acquitting senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi and several others.
The verdict was announced by the ATC judge at Kot Lakhpat Jail amid tight security arrangements. , Other key party figures have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
According to court officials, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Hamza Azeem, and six other accused were acquitted of all charges due to lack of evidence. The court found that the prosecution failed to establish their direct involvement in the violence that took place near Sherpao Bridge following the arrest of PTI Founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
