47 PTI Leaders Sentenced in Absentia for 2023 Protests

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan delivered a severe verdict on Saturday, sentencing 47 leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to 10 years imprisonment. This ruling stems from their involvement in violent protests on May 9, 2023, which erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.

The demonstrations, which escalated to vandalism and attempted breaches of security zones, specifically targeted the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. In response, authorities filed a case at RA Bazar Police Station. The court found the accused guilty of orchestrating arson and damaging government property.

High-profile politicians, including Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz, were among those convicted. Each individual faces a fine of PKR 5,00,000 and property confiscation. This verdict is part of a larger legal effort, with 118 individuals, including Khan, identified and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Act.