The May 9 case took a decisive turn as an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and 57 others to 10 years in prison. The case centered on the attack on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah’s residence during the violent unrest that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest in May 2023.
Court Hands Down Sentences
On Monday, the ATC announced its verdict, declaring 59 people guilty in connection with the attack. Out of these, 17 were PTI leaders. Each was handed a 10-year jail term.
Another 16 individuals, including MPA Sheikh Shahid Javed from PP-115, were convicted separately. They each received three-year prison terms for their role in the violence.
The court ruling highlights how deeply PTI’s leadership became entangled in the unrest that swept across Pakistan on May 9.
High-Profile Convictions
Among those convicted were Omar Ayub, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, and Shibli Faraz, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Both were central figures in PTI’s parliamentary presence. Their sentencing marks a significant blow to the party’s political leadership.
The case also involved other well-known names, including Zartaj Gul, MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq. However, Shafiq was absent from court during the hearing. Reports suggest he has gone into hiding to avoid arrest.
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Acquittals for Some Leaders
While many leaders faced convictions, the ATC acquitted several others. Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry and PTI lawmaker Zain Qureshi were among those cleared of charges.
Other acquitted figures included Khayal Kastro, Faizullah Kamoka, Rana Asad Mehmood Khan, Bilal Ashraf Basra, Haroon Rasheed, Amara Rasheed, Sahibzada Hassan Raza, and Kamran Warraich.
The acquittals reflect the complex legal outcomes of the May 9 trials, with some PTI leaders held accountable while others walked free.
Wider Legal Context
The recent ruling in Faisalabad is not an isolated case. On July 31, the same ATC sentenced top PTI leaders to prison terms ranging up to 10 years in similar cases linked to the May 9 unrest.
At that time, 108 PTI leaders out of 185 accused were convicted. Around 60, including Ayub, Faraz, Gul, and Raza, received 10-year sentences. Others were given three-year terms, while 77 were acquitted.
The back-to-back convictions show a pattern of judicial action aimed at addressing the violence that followed Imran Khan’s arrest.
The May 9 Unrest
The roots of these cases lie in the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023. Supporters of PTI launched nationwide demonstrations after party founder Imran Khan was arrested at the Islamabad High Court.
During the unrest, government buildings, military installations, and private properties came under attack. The incident at Rana Sanaullah’s residence was among the most high-profile targets.
The government framed these attacks as acts of terrorism, leading to a wave of cases under anti-terrorism laws.
Imran Khan’s Legal Relief
Amid the convictions of his party leaders, PTI founder Imran Khan received relief from the Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the top court granted him bail in eight May 9-related cases, overturning a Lahore High Court ruling that had denied his requests.
Chief Justice Yahya Afridi authored the order, stressing the principle of consistency. The court reasoned that since others in similar circumstances had been granted bail, Khan’s petitions also deserved consideration.
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Afridi, underscored the need for equal treatment under the law. This decision provided Khan temporary reprieve as cases against him continue.
Political Implications
The sentencing of Omar Ayub and Shibli Faraz represents a significant setback for PTI. Both leaders hold high-profile positions as parliamentary opposition heads. Their imprisonment creates a leadership vacuum that could weaken PTI’s ability to coordinate opposition inside and outside the legislature.
At the same time, the acquittals of Fawad Chaudhry and Zain Qureshi keep some senior party figures active in politics. This contrast may fuel internal debates within PTI about its strategy moving forward.
For the government, the convictions reinforce its stance that May 9 was an attack on the state itself. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has consistently pushed for strict accountability of PTI leaders involved in the unrest.
Ongoing Trials
The ATC verdict is one among many ongoing trials tied to May 9. Dozens of FIRs were registered across Pakistan, leading to separate proceedings in different jurisdictions. Each case focuses on a specific incident, but together they form the legal framework through which the state seeks to hold PTI leaders accountable.
As more verdicts emerge, the political and legal landscape is likely to shift further. PTI faces the dual challenge of defending its leadership in court while keeping its political base energized.
A Party Under Pressure
The May 9 case and its related trials highlight PTI’s most severe crisis since its rise to power. With top leaders sentenced, others acquitted, and Imran Khan still entangled in multiple cases, the party’s path forward remains uncertain.
For now, the ATC ruling underscores how the events of May 9 continue to cast a long shadow over Pakistan’s politics.
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