May 9 riots: Punjab Assembly opposition leader, PTI MNA sentenced to jail

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Sargodha has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Bhachar, MNA Ahmed Chattha and many other PTI supporters to imprisonment for 10 years in May 9 riots case on Tuesday, Aaj News reported.

They were alleged of involvement in sabotage activities during PTI’s countrywide violent protests on May 9, 2023.

After hearing arguments in the May 9 riots case, the ATC has issued its verdict, sentencing all 32 in prison for 10 years each.

The court judgement adds to the embattled PTI’s legal and political woes that started following the May 9 violent incidents during which military installations including Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ) were vandalised by the party supporters upon former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in a case.

May 9 violence: mercy pleas of 19 accepted

On the other hand, Bhachar has announced to challenge the ATC verdict in the Lahore High Court, Aaj News reported.

The opposition leader said the court delivered a verdict in a politically motivated case, deviating from the Constitution. The sentence was announced without fulfilling legal formalities against him, he maintained.

He stated that after the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the government has brought the courts under its influence, and such verdicts are expected in court cases.

The PTI leader said he would approach the high court once he receives the written judgment. “It is too early to comment on my disqualification,” he added.

Background of the case

On May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder Imran from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust case, PTI launched nationwide protests.

During these protests, the office of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Lahore’s Model Town was set on fire, and several military, civil, and private installations were also torched. Both public and private properties suffered extensive damage, while at least eight people were killed and 290 others injured during the violence.

Protesters also stormed the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, known as the Jinnah House, and broke through one of the gates of the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Subsequently, around 1,900 individuals involved in clashes with law enforcement, vandalism, and arson across the country were arrested. Legal cases were also registered against Imran, his party leaders, and workers.