ECP disqualifies three PTI lawmakers following ATC verdict in May 9 case
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued disqualification notifications for three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, including Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court.
In a notification issued Monday, the ECP confirmed the disqualification of Chaudhry, MNA Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar. All three were handed 10-year prison sentences under anti-terrorism charges.
Senator Chaudhry was found guilty by an anti-terrorism court and is no longer eligible to remain a member of the Senate under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, the ECP said. 'The anti-terrorism court has declared Ejaz Chaudhry guilty and sentenced him to ten years,' the notification stated.
Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years
The ECP also disqualified MNA Chattha and MPA Bhachar, citing similar convictions. Chattha was elected from NA-66 Wazirabad, while Bhachar represented PP-87 Mianwali in the Punjab Assembly.
Last week, an anti-terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced Bhachar and other PTI workers to 10 years in prison each.
Meanwhile, ATC Lahore acquitted six PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years in prison.
Also Read: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC
The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling.
The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
May 9 Riots
The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.
In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
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