ISLAMABAD
In a major development that has intensified Pakistan’s political turmoil, an anti-terrorism court has handed down severe sentences to several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in connection with the May 9 violence. A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Thursday sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders including Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul and others to 10 years in prison in connection with a case registered in the aftermath of the May 9, 2023, violence at the Civil Lines Police Station.
In its verdict, the special ATC sentenced 108 people of the total 185 accused, which also includes Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza, who has been handed 10 years imprisonment. However, Fawad Chaudhry and Zain Qureshi were acquitted, highlighting what critics call a selective application of justice.
In the second case registered at the Civil Lines Police Station, the anti-terrorism court sentenced 28 out of the 32 accused and acquitted four individuals. A total of 107 people were named in the case, of which 32 were tried. Among those acquitted are Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi and Khayal Kastro.
In another case related to the May 9 violence registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad Police Station, the court sentenced 60 individuals, while seven of the 67 accused were acquitted. The court also handed down a three-year jail term to Junaid Afzal Sahi in the aforementioned case.
Reacting to the verdict, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan decried that a total of 45 years’ sentence has been handed over to the party leaders in back-to-back judgements in three days. “These decisions will destroy democracy,” Gohar said while speaking to the media. The verdicts come as the latest blow to PTI, which has seen its representation in Parliament nearly wiped out following a series of disqualifications and convictions.
Earlier, key leaders including Ejaz Chaudhary and Jamshed Dasti—PTI’s opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly—were also sentenced in the same case, resulting in the loss of their legislative seats. The May 9 protests erupted last year following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, with supporters allegedly attacking military installations.
While the government maintains that the legal actions are necessary to uphold the rule of law, opposition figures and human rights groups have raised concerns over the fairness of the trials. “The disparity in sentencing—some leaders getting harsh punishments while others walk free—exposes the political nature of these cases,” said a PTI spokesperson. “This is not justice; it is the systematic elimination of opposition.”
With PTI lawmakers increasingly disqualified or imprisoned, Pakistan’s parliamentary opposition has been significantly weakened. Analysts warn that sidelining the country’s largest political party could undermine democratic norms and fuel instability. “A democracy cannot function without a strong opposition,” said political analyst Dr. Hasan Askari.
“The absence of PTI from legislative bodies means less accountability and more one-sided decision-making.” PTI supporters have condemned the verdicts, calling them politically motivated. Meanwhile, the government has defended the court’s decisions, stating that those involved in violence must face consequences.
As tensions escalate, concerns grow over Pakistan’s political future. If PTI continues to be marginalized, experts fear it could lead to further polarization, with supporters potentially resorting to more aggressive forms of dissent. Amid the deepening crisis, civil society groups and international observers have urged the government and opposition to engage in dialogue to prevent further instability.
“The only way forward is through inclusive politics,” said a human rights activist. “Suppressing dissent will only deepen the crisis.” With PTI’s legal battles far from over, Pakistan’s political landscape remains on edge, raising critical questions about the future of democracy in the country.
