PTI MNA among 11 individuals convicted and sentenced by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday, each receiving varying prison terms and fines for their involvement in the violent events of May 9, 2023.
PTI MNA, along with other individuals, faced charges including attacking the Ramna police station, assaulting law enforcement officers, committing arson, and engaging in acts of terrorism.
Notable among those convicted were Abdul Latif, a Member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and Wazirzada Kailashi, a former MPA from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
After the verdict was announced, four of the convicted individuals—Muhammad Akram, Mira Khan, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan—were taken into custody right there in the courtroom. Arrest warrants were also issued for the other seven, which included Abdul Latif, Wazirzada Kailashi, Zaryab Khan, Samuel Robert, Abdul Basit, Shan Ali, and Muhammad Yousuf.
The ruling, delivered by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, detailed how the accused had attacked the Ramna police station, opened fire, hurled stones, and even attempted to kill police officials. They were also found guilty of setting motorcycles ablaze.
As per the court’s ruling, each of the convicted individuals received a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of Rs200,000 for their acts of terrorism.
In addition, they received sentences of five years in prison along with a fine of Rs50,000 each for trying to harm police officers. They were also given four years in prison and a Rs40,000 fine each for setting motorcycles on fire, and another four years in prison with a Rs40,000 fine each for torching the police station. Furthermore, they faced three months in prison for hindering police operations and one month in prison for breaching Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The May 9 incidents refer to the violent attacks on state facilities that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on corruption charges in 2023. Several individuals were taken into custody in connection with these cases, which are being handled by both military courts and anti-terrorism courts across various cities.
Anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) nationwide are still processing related cases. In April, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi, instructed the ATCs to wrap up the proceedings for the May 9 cases within four months.
In Lahore, there are 14 cases still pending in two ATCs, which are currently hearing them daily at Kot Lakhpat Central Jail. However, a judge from one of these courts pointed out that the lack of case records is posing significant challenges to meeting the Supreme Court’s deadline.
ATC Administrative Judge Manzer Ali Gill reached out to Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah, indicating that the police records were not being provided to the deputy prosecutor handling the trial for various reasons.
The judge stressed that this issue had been communicated to the prosecution office to take necessary actions to ensure that witnesses could be recorded on every hearing date. He warned that if no action is taken, the court would proceed according to the law.
It has been noted that most of the May 9 cases have faced delays due to the absence of relevant records. Each time the court convenes, police officials have informed the judges that the case records are still with the Supreme Court.
(With input from our Lahore correspondent)
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Q1. Who was convicted in the May 9 violence case?
A total of 11 individuals were convicted by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), including Abdul Latif, a PTI Member of the National Assembly (MNA), and Wazirzada Kailashi, a former MPA from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Q2. What were the charges against them?
The charges included:
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Attacking the Ramna police station
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Assaulting law enforcement officers
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Committing arson
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Engaging in acts of terrorism
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Hindering police operations
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Violating Section 144 of the CrPC
Q3. What sentences were handed down?
Each convicted individual received:
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10 years in prison and Rs200,000 fine for terrorism
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5 years in prison and Rs50,000 fine for assaulting police
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4 years in prison and Rs40,000 fine for arson (motorcycles)
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4 years in prison and Rs40,000 fine for torching the police station
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3 months for obstructing police duties
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1 month for violating Section 144
Q4. Who was taken into custody immediately?
Four individuals—Muhammad Akram, Mira Khan, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan—were taken into custody in the courtroom. Arrest warrants were issued for the remaining seven, including Abdul Latif and Wazirzada Kailashi.
Q5. What triggered the May 9 violence?
The violence erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on corruption charges in 2023. Protesters targeted state institutions, leading to widespread arrests and multiple trials in military and anti-terrorism courts.
Q6. Are other related cases still ongoing?
Yes. Several May 9-related cases are still being processed across Pakistan, especially in Lahore, where 14 cases remain pending in two ATCs. These courts are holding daily hearings at Kot Lakhpat Central Jail.
