PTI Leaders Sentenced to 10 Years Over May 9 Riots; Qureshi Acquitted

Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed

Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry

and Ahmed Khan Bhachar among Sentenced

Web Desk

Lahore:An Anti‑Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday sentenced multiple Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) leaders—including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and Afzal Azeem Pahat—to 10 years’ imprisonment each in connection with the May 9 riots case. The court had reserved the verdict earlier and announced it today.

High‑Profile Acquittals: Former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in the same trial, along with Hamza Azeem Pahat, Rana Tanveer, and Aizaz Rafiq. Separately, a Sargodha ATC sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, and several other PTI workers to 10 years in a vandalism case stemming from the May 9 unrest.

PTI Condemns Verdict as Politically Motivated: Bhachar announced plans to challenge his conviction in the High Court, calling it an act of political victimisation. He claimed: “The verdict was delivered in a politically motivated case that deviated from constitutional principles,” and criticised the ATC for bypassing legal protocols. He further alleged that post‑26th Amendment, the ruling regime has compromised judicial independence.

PTI Chairman Charges Judiciary With Failure: At a press conference, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan labelled the trials as “controversial” and argued that evidence was insufficient and witnesses were reused in multiple cases. He stated: “Today’s verdicts are proof that the judiciary has collapsed,” urging for constitutional fairness.

Law Ministry Defends Judicial Process: Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik dismissed PTI’s objections as politically driven, saying: “All evidence was presented, all legal requirements were fulfilled,” and that the party refused to appear in court and now rejects any adverse ruling.

Background: May 9 Riots and Legal Fallout: The cases stem from violent protests on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The riots involved vandalism of public infrastructure and military installations, including Lahore’s Jinnah House. FIRs include charges under anti‑terror law for arson and public disorder.

Legal and Political Repercussions: Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi called the verdict a “black day for democracy,” condemning the use of “fabricated evidence.” PTI vowed to pursue appeals and maintain Bhachar as Punjab’s opposition leader. The Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad insisted such rulings would not deter the party’s commitment.

Wider Implications: Following the May 9 violence, several PTI members were tried in military courts under the Army Act. A military tribunal later convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassan Khan Niazi, and while some sentences were pardoned, PTI criticises the limited scope of those releases. The Supreme Court directed the resumption and conclusion of military trials, which remain underway.