An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad has announced a major verdict in the May 9 violence case. The court sentenced several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to 10 years in prison over the attack on the residence of former interior minister Rana Sanaullah.
Those convicted include Shibli Faraz, Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Kanwal Shauzab, Ahmad Chattha, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Ansar Iqbal, and Bilal Ejaz. PTI MPAs Ismail Sillah and Shahid Javed were also awarded the same sentence. The ruling marked another instance where an ATC hands 10-year jail term to PTI members involved in the May 9 unrest.
However, the court acquitted PTI leaders Fawad Chaudhry and Zain Qureshi, citing insufficient evidence.
According to the verdict, out of 109 accused, 75 were convicted while 34 were acquitted. Among those convicted, 59 individuals were given 10-year sentences, while 16 others received three-year prison terms.
The decision was announced by ATC Judge Javed Iqbal in the case registered at Samanabad Police Station. The charges were linked to violent protests that took place on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Earlier, on July 22, another ATC in Lahore had also sentenced senior PTI leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years in prison in a similar case. In that ruling, Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted.
The May 9 violence led to widespread unrest, with protestors targeting government buildings and military installations, including the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore. The latest ruling, where the ATC hands 10-year jail terms, reflects the ongoing legal action against those involved in the unrest.
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