An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore has sentenced 7 senior leaders of Imran Khan's party to 10 years imprisonment in connection with the May 9 violence case. PTI has called the verdict politically motivated.
Pakistan: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, Pakistan, has sentenced seven senior leaders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to 10 years each in prison. The sentences are related to their alleged involvement in the riots that occurred at Sharpa Bridge on May 9, 2023. The court's decision has caused a stir in Pakistani politics.
Which Leaders Were Sentenced?
The leaders sentenced by the ATC include Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, former Governor of Punjab Omar Sarfraz Cheema, former provincial ministers Yasmin Rashid and Mahmoodur Rashid, and Advocate Azim Pahat. All of them were charged with serious offences under anti-terrorism laws. The court has sentenced each of them to 10 years in jail.
The May 9 Violence Case
The case dates back to May 9, 2023, when violent protests erupted in several cities across Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan. PTI workers and supporters damaged government property and created disturbances on the streets. The case concerning the Sharpa Bridge incident was registered in connection with these events. A large number of party leaders and workers were arrested in the aftermath of the violence.
Some Leaders Granted Relief
While seven leaders were sentenced, the court acquitted five other leaders, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, of the charges. The reason given was the lack of sufficient evidence against them. This decision is a mixed bag of relief and setback for PTI.
Government Welcomes the Decision
The federal government of Pakistan has supported the court's decision, describing it as a positive step towards maintaining law and order. The government maintains that action against those who break the law is necessary, regardless of their political affiliation.
PTI Leaders Raise Questions
However, PTI has criticized the verdict. Senior party leaders Alia Hamza, Babar Awan, and Asad Qaiser have stated that neither transparency was maintained in the trial nor was the legal procedure followed. They allege that the decision was influenced by political pressure and that no credible witnesses were presented in court.
Expedited Hearing, Questions on Procedure
PTI spokesperson Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, in a statement released from London, said that unusual haste was shown in the hearing of these cases. In addition to daily hearings, court proceedings continued late into the night even on Saturdays. He described this as "an example of procedural irregularities and constitutional violations." He also said that the entire action has become a political spectacle.
Imran Khan Already Imprisoned
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been in jail since August 2023 in connection with various corruption cases. PTI alleges that all these cases are politically motivated. Imran Khan's supporters have been arrested, their media coverage has been restricted, and many party leaders have been sent to jail.
