Islamabad, August 5, 2025: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday disqualified several prominent opposition leaders, including Senate and National Assembly opposition heads, along with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Hamid Raza and other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-aligned lawmakers, following their convictions in cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots.
The disqualifications come in the wake of a recent judgment by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad, which sentenced over 100 PTI leaders and workers to prison terms of up to 10 years. Those convicted include Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan, Opposition Leader in the Senate Shibli Faraz, MNA Zartaj Gul, SIC chief Hamid Raza, Sheikh Rashid Shafique (nephew of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid), Kanwal Shauzab, Farah Agha, Rai Haider Kharal, and Muhammad Ahmad Chattha.
According to an official notification issued by the ECP, Faraz, Ayub, Kharal, Raza, MNA Rai Hassan Nawaz Khan, Gul, MPA Muhammad Ansar Iqbal, MPA Junaid Afzal Sahi, and MPA Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal have been disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution. The provision bars individuals from holding public office if convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude and sentenced to a minimum of two years in prison. Their respective seats have now been declared vacant.
The decision marks a significant escalation in the legal fallout from the violent protests on May 9, 2023, when PTI supporters across the country attacked military and state properties in response to the arrest of party founder Imran Khan. Among the most high-profile incidents was the storming of the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. Thousands of protesters, including several senior party leaders, were arrested in the aftermath.
The ECP’s latest announcement follows a series of disqualifications in recent days. On July 29, MNA Abdul Latif (NA-1, Upper and Lower Chitral) was disqualified, while on July 28, similar action was taken against Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, and MPA Ahmad Khan.
Earlier, in December 2024, a military court had sentenced more than 50 PTI leaders and workers — including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassaan Niazi — to up to 10 years in prison over their involvement in the riots.
The ATC in Faisalabad had handed down sentences in multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the May 9 incidents. In FIR No. 835/2023, registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad police station, lawmakers were convicted under Sections 109 (abetment) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
In FIR No. 1277/2023, 60 out of 67 accused were convicted, while seven were acquitted. In FIR No. 832/2023, registered at Civil Lines police station, 107 out of 108 accused were given 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentences; one individual received a three-year term. However, the court acquitted 77 others, citing insufficient evidence.
Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry, MNA Zain Qureshi (son of senior PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi), MPA Khayal Ahmad Kastro, and Faizullah Kamuka were acquitted in all three FIRs.
The court also issued arrest warrants for convicted individuals not present at the time of sentencing and instructed the police to apprehend and produce them for incarceration.
The ATCs have been holding daily hearings in May 9-related cases, aiming to meet the Supreme Court’s deadline for concluding all trials by August.
