An anti-terrorism court in Rawalpindi has sentenced 47 proclaimed offenders, including several leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to 10 years in prison each in connection with the May 9 attack on the GHQ.
The verdict was announced by anti-terrorism court Judge Amjad Ali Shah who also imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on each convict and ordered the confiscation of their assets.
Among those sentenced are prominent PTI leaders including Omar Ayub Khan, Zartaj Gul, Murad Saeed, Shibli Faraz, Hammad Azhar, Kanwal Shauzab, Rashid Shafique, Shahbaz Gill, and Zulfi Bukhari, along with several others.
According to the court, the convicted individuals were involved in planning and inciting the violent events of May 9, during which protesters allegedly targeted sensitive military sites.
The court cited findings of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, which described the accused as key figures behind the planning of protests that led to attacks on the GHQ gate, Hamza Camp, and the Army Museum. The report stated that the suspects were involved in arson, vandalism, attacks on police personnel, and destruction of government property during the unrest.
The case initially included 118 accused, among them PTI founder Imran Khan and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Formal charges were filed in December 2024.
However, under the Anti-Terrorism Act (Pakistan), a separate trial was conducted for the 47 absconding suspects.
The prosecution requested proceedings against them on January 6, 2025, after which the court initiated an inquiry. The accused were given seven days to surrender in January 2026, but none appeared despite court orders and public notices.
Following their continued absence, the court appointed a state counsel and proceeded with the trial in absentia, ultimately delivering the 10-year prison sentences.
May 9 case: Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed others sentenced
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Omer Sarfraz Cheema were earlier sentenced to 10 years in prison.
No charges have yet been filed against PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in connection with these cases.
The majority of those convicted were charged with participating in the attack.
Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Judge Arshad Javed announced the verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Dr Yasmin Rashid’s lawyer, Rana Mudasir Umar, said that although the cases were scheduled for routine proceedings, the defence was not given a full opportunity to present their case, adding that the verdicts were announced late at night. He confirmed that the imprisoned leaders remain resolute and that the sentences will be challenged in higher courts.
