PTI Workers, Punjab Opposition Leader Handed 10-Year Sentences in May 9 Riots Case

An anti-terrorism court in Sargodha on Tuesday sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chattha and several other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers to 10 years each in prison in vandalism case related to May 9 riots. All 32 accused including Bachar were granted exemption from personal appearance by the court.

Bachar was not present in the court at the time of pronouncement of the verdict.

The case was registered in Mianwali over vandalism and riots related to the protests triggered by the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in a corruption case on May 9, 2023.

All 32 accused including Bachar were granted exemption from personal appearance by the court.

Last month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) dismissed the bail petitions of former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in eight separate cases related to the May 9 riots, including the attack on Jinnah House in Lahore.

Previously, on November 27, 2024, the ATC had dismissed Imran’s bail pleas in these eight cases.