Islamabad, November 22, 2024- An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has sentenced 10 individuals in connection with the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
The protests, which saw demonstrators attacking state buildings and military installations, including the Jinnah House in Lahore, followed Khan’s detention within the Islamabad High Court premises. The government has emphasized that those responsible for the May 9 incidents would be held accountable in a court of law.
Among those sentenced are Abid Mahmood, son of Muhammad Saqib, and Ahsan Ayaz, son of Muhammad Ayaz, both residents of Islamabad, and Naeemullah, son of Abdul Qadir, from Bajaur. Additional convicts include Rawalpindi resident Mattiullah, son of Ameen Khan, Islamabad’s Shaukat, son of Fazal Dad, and Bajaur’s Zakirullah, son of Bismillah Khan.
Notably, four of the convicted individuals are Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan. They include Dawood Khan, son of Hajo Khan, Younis Khan, son of Khan Muhammad, Ehsanullah, son of Ziaul Haq, and Lal Agha, son of Khan Agha.
The sentences range from up to six years in prison, accompanied by fines. The accused were named in the FIR 626/24, registered on May 10, 2023. Of the 17 suspects initially identified, one was acquitted after investigation, while six remain at large. The court has issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the fugitives and directed authorities to present them once apprehended.
Sources indicate that the authorities have made it clear that no leniency will be shown toward those involved in anti-state activities, including the masterminds and facilitators of the May 9 violence.
