Sargodha, July 22, 2025: An anti-terrorism court in Sargodha has sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar and 35 other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers to 10 years in prison each for their alleged involvement in the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, in Mianwali.
The verdict was issued in case number 72, registered at Musa Khel Police Station. The court found the accused guilty of participating in violent demonstrations, arson, and other serious offenses. Among those convicted are National Assembly member Ahmad Chattha and former MNA Bilal Ejaz.
The court’s decision comes in connection with a wave of unrest that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protests turned violent, resulting in widespread property damage and multiple casualties.
Reacting to the verdict, Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar rejected the ruling and announced his intention to challenge it in the Lahore High Court. He termed the judgment politically motivated and claimed it was issued without due legal process. He further alleged that, following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, the judiciary had come under the influence of the government—making such verdicts predictable in politically sensitive cases.
Bachar added that he would pursue legal remedies once the written judgment is received. When asked about possible disqualification from public office, he stated it was premature to comment.
The May 9 protests were triggered by Imran Khan’s arrest from within the Islamabad High Court premises in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust case. Violent demonstrations spread nationwide, with Lahore witnessing some of the worst incidents, including the torching of the PML-N office in Model Town, attacks on military and private properties, and the storming of the Corps Commander’s residence (Jinnah House). A gate of the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also damaged by protesters.
The unrest left at least eight people dead and over 290 injured. In response, law enforcement agencies launched a large-scale crackdown, arresting around 1,900 individuals and registering multiple cases against PTI leadership and supporters.
Earlier, on December 21, 2024, a military court sentenced 25 individuals to up to 10 years in prison over their involvement in the May 9 events. On December 26, another 60 people, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassan Niazi, were handed similar sentences. However, on January 2, 2025, the Courts of Appeal of the Pakistan Army granted clemency to 19 of those convicted.
