PTI MNA, ex-MPA among 11 convicted in May 9 rioting case
PTI protesters take to the streets in Lahore on May 9, 2023. SCREENGRAB
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The Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday convicted and sentenced 11 individuals to various prison terms and fines in connection with the violence that occurred on May 9, 2023.
The charges against them included attacking the Ramna police station, assaulting police personnel, committing arson, and spreading terrorism.
Among those convicted were Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of National Assembly Abdul Latif and former Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa MPA Wazirzada Kailashi.
Following the announcement of the verdict, four of the convicts, Muhammad Akram, Mira Khan, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan, were arrested from the court premises. Arrest warrants were issued for the remaining seven, namely Abdul Latif, Wazirzada Kailashi, Zaryab Khan, Samuel Robert, Abdul Basit, Shan Ali and Muhammad Yousuf.
The verdict, delivered by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, stated that the accused attacked the Ramna police station, opened fire, pelted stones and attempted to kill police officials. They also set motorcycles on fire.
According to the court's decision, the accused were sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined Rs200,000 each for acts of terrorism.
Moreover, they were sentenced to five years in prison and fined Rs50,000 each for attempting to kill police personnel; four years in prison and a fine of Rs40,000 each for burning motorcycles; another four years in prison and a Rs40,000 fine each for setting the police station on fire; three months in prison for obstructing police work; and one month in prison for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The May 9 cases refer to violent attacks on state installations that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on corruption charges in 2023. A number of individuals were arrested in these cases, which have been tried by both military courts and anti-terrorism courts in various cities.
ATCs across the country continue to hear related cases. In April, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, directed ATCs to conclude proceedings in May 9 cases within four months.
In Lahore, 14 cases remain pending in two ATCs, which are currently hearing them on a daily basis at Kot Lakhpat Central Jail. However, a judge of one of these courts noted that the unavailability of case records was creating significant obstacles to meeting the Supreme Court's deadline.
ATC Administrative Judge Manzer Ali Gill wrote to Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah, stating that the police records were not being provided to the deputy prosecutor conducting the trial for various reasons.
The judge emphasised that the matter had been brought to the attention of the prosecution office to take necessary steps to ensure that witnesses could be recorded on every hearing date. He cautioned that failing such action, the court would proceed according to the law.
It has been observed that the majority of May 9 cases have faced adjournments due to the unavailability of relevant records. On each hearing date, police officials have informed the courts that the case records remain with the Supreme Court.
(With input from our Lahore correspondent)
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