ATC jails 10 in May 9 riots case

Court issues non-bailable arrest warrants for six absconders and acquits one for lack of evidence

By Arfa Feroz Zake

November 23, 2024

PTI activists and supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan clash with policemen during a protest against the arrest of their leader, in Islamabad. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: An anti-terrorism court on Friday sentenced 10 individuals to prison after finding “cogent, trustworthy, and confidence-inspiring evidence” proving their involvement in the May 9, 2023, riots, which included attacks on military installations.

The 15-page detailed verdict was issued by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who presided over the case concerning the May 9 protests organised by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in response to the arrest of the party’s founder, Imran Khan.

A total of 17 individuals were nominated in the case, registered under First Information Report (FIR) No. 24/626. Of these, one was acquitted for lack of evidence, while six were declared absconders. The ATC also issued perpetual non-bailable warrants for the absconders, instructing law enforcement to arrest and produce them in court. The 10 convicted individuals include four Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan: Daud Khan, Younas Khan, Ehsan Ullah, and Laal Agha. The remaining six convicts — Abid Mehmood, Ahsan Ayaz, Shaukat, Naeem Ullah, Zakir Ullah, and Matti Ullah — hail from Islamabad, Bajaur, and Rawalpindi.

The court sentenced the convicts under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Those who had secured bail were handed a one-month prison term and fined Rs1,000 under Section 341. Three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs1,000 under Section 186. Two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs20,000 under Section 353. Six months imprisonment and a fine of Rs3,000 under Section 188.

However, the prosecution failed to establish charges under Sections 382 (theft) and 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), according to the ruling.

The court said that although the accused were reported to have political affiliations, these were not explicitly mentioned in the complaints, leading to the acquittal of one accused.

The verdict also declared Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur a proclaimed offender due to his repeated absence in a related case registered at the I-9 police station in Islamabad. The charges against Gandapur include vandalism and violation of Section 144.