Conviction in May 9 case: LHC adjourns hearing of Bhachar’s plea challenging disqualification

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday adjourned the hearing of a petition of former opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Ahmed Khan Bhachar challenging his disqualification following conviction in a May 9 case.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Sargodha had awarded 10-year rigorous imprisonment each to Ahmed Khan Bhachar and dozens of other PTI leaders in a May 9 riots case.

Earlier, the court advised the petitioner’s lawyer to resolve the issue by appearing in the court.

The lawyer explained that they had also filed an application for an early hearing of the appeal against the sentence, but it had not yet been fixed.

The court remarked that the fundamental principles of justice cannot be overlooked.

The court noted that until the appeal against the sentence is fixed for hearing, the petition against the disqualification could be deferred.

The lawyer said the petitioner would appear as soon as the appeal against the sentence was scheduled for hearing.

He also pointed out that the LHC office was not accepting a request of the petitioner for protective bail.

He argued that the constitutional rights of any accused or convict should not be infringed upon.

A law officer, however, raised an objection, saying no relief could be granted unless the convict or a proclaimed offender appears in the court.

The court adjourned the hearing for a date to be fixed later.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025