A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Thursday sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders — including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul — to 10 years in prison over their involvement in cases related to the May 9, 2023, violence. Strict security arrangements were made both inside and outside the court to avoid any untoward incidents. In the case related to the attack on a sensitive institution, the court awarded punishments to 108 out of 185 accused, while the rest were acquitted. 

The court sentenced Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul to 10 years in prison. Member of the National Assembly Sahibzada Hamid Raza was also sentenced to 10 years in jail. Junaid Afzal Sahi received a 3-year prison sentence, which is the shortest sentence given by the court. The Faisalabad ATC acquitted Fawad Chaudhry, and Zain Qureshi, the son of Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 75 others in the cases. 

In a separate case registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station, the court sentenced 60 individuals, while 7 of the 67 accused were acquitted. Eearlier this month, the Lahore ATC sentenced eight leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – including Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema – to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in the Sherpao Bridge arson and incitement case, related to the May 9 protests. 

Khalid Qayyum, Riyaz Hussain, Ali Hassan and Afzal Azeem Pahat were among those who were sentence to imprisonment. However, the court acquitted six individuals, including former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem. ATC Judge Arshad Javed delivered the verdict inside Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail under strict security measures. All the accused were present when the verdict was announced. 

The case was registered at Sarwar Road Police Station, accused the defendants of inciting violence, delivering provocative speeches, and causing damage to public property, all falling under terrorism-related charges. The court concluded the trial of 14 accused individuals. Of these, eight were sentenced to 10 years in prison each, while six were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The prosecution presented testimony from 61 witnesses to support the charges. The state’s case was argued by Prosecutor Abdul Jabbar Dogar. 

The case pertains to the violent incidents, including arson and rioting, that occurred at Sherpao Bridge in Lahore on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The FIR includes terrorism and other criminal charges. This ruling follows a directive from the Supreme Court, which had ordered all trial courts to conclude May 9-related cases within four months. In compliance, the ATC conducted daily hearings to ensure timely judgment. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)