In a major development related to the May 9 arson and rioting cases, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore has ordered the confiscation of properties belonging to four senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders: Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry. The court handed down strict sentences to the PTI leaders, sentencing each of them to 10 years in prison along with a fine of Rs. 600,000.

Jail warrants have been issued, and orders have been given for the seizure of their properties. These verdicts were announced in connection with two arson cases registered at Shadman and Sarwar Road police stations, where the accused were charged with inciting violent protests and causing damage to public and private property. The court issued a detailed judgment yesterday, stating that the convicts were found guilty of participating in and instigating violent acts.

The jail superintendent has been directed to ensure the immediate implementation of the sentences and the transfer of the convicts to prison as per court orders.These cases stem from the events of May 9, 2023, when violent protests broke out across several cities following the arrest of the PTI Chairman, during which military installations, public, and private properties were attacked.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)