ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI – In a major legal development, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced 82 political workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to four months in prison, reported by The Nationa News. Each has also been fined Rs15,000 after they confessed to participating in violent protests on November 26, 2024.
The demonstrations were held to demand the release of jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan. However, the protests turned violent and deadly, resulting in the deaths of three Rangers personnel and one police officer. During court proceedings, the accused admitted their involvement and submitted affidavits claiming they were misled by the party leadership. Many described themselves as poor laborers and asked for mercy, pledging not to engage in future unrest.
Out of 1,609 charged individuals, 560 have so far been formally indicted. The court proceedings are ongoing for the remaining cases.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Pakistan granted bail to senior PTI leaders Senator Ejaz Chaudhry and Hafiz Farhat Abbas in connection with the May 9 incidents. They were directed to submit surety bonds of Rs100,000 each. Chaudhry’s lawyer stated that he had been in custody since May 11, 2023.
Although the prosecutor accused both leaders of inciting violence and being part of a conspiracy, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan pointed out that if the evidence was solid, they would have faced a military court trial. He stressed that bail should not be treated as punishment.
The court also granted pre-arrest bail to PTI’s Imtiaz Sheikh, who faces similar charges. Justice Afghan urged the trial courts to speed up the legal process and conclude the case within four months, emphasizing the need for justice without unnecessary delay.
