In a significant legal development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has sentenced 11 individuals, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the violent protests that occurred on May 9, 2023. Among those convicted are Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Abdul Latif from Chitral and former MPA Wazirzada Kailashi, marking a serious escalation in the judicial crackdown against PTI activists and leadership following the events of May 9.
Background: What Happened on May 9?
May 9, 2023, has become a pivotal date in Pakistan’s recent political history. The arrest of former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan sparked nationwide protests, many of which turned violent. In multiple cities, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, demonstrators attacked government buildings, military installations, police stations, and public property. The protests marked a turning point in the state’s response to PTI and its supporters.
The Pakistani government classified many of these acts as “terrorism,” and hundreds of PTI workers and leaders were arrested in the aftermath. Dozens of cases were filed under anti-terrorism laws, and several high-profile leaders faced indictments.
The Verdict: 10-Year Jail Sentences
On May 30, 2025, an ATC judge concluded proceedings in one of the May 9 cases and handed down 10-year prison sentences to 11 individuals. According to court documents and reports from national news outlets such as Geo News and Independent Urdu, the convicted individuals were found guilty of:
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Attacking a police station
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Setting fire to public and private property
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Assaulting law enforcement officers
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Inciting violence and terrorism
In addition to the 10-year prison terms, each convict was fined Rs. 200,000. Four of the convicts were present in court and were immediately taken into custody. Arrest warrants were issued for the remaining seven, including the PTI lawmakers Abdul Latif and Wazirzada Kailashi, who were absent during the proceedings.
Who Are the Convicted PTI Leaders?
Abdul Latif, a member of the National Assembly from Chitral, has been a vocal supporter of Imran Khan and a prominent PTI figure in northern Pakistan. His conviction is especially significant as it reflects the state’s intention to prosecute not just activists but also elected representatives of the party.
Wazirzada Kailashi, another key figure, hails from the Kalash community—a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan. He previously served as a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and is recognized for representing a marginalized community on a national platform. His sentencing is being seen as both politically and symbolically consequential.
Legal and Political Implications
The verdict sends a clear message that the Pakistani judiciary and government are determined to hold individuals accountable for the May 9 violence. By prosecuting elected PTI members under terrorism charges, the state is signaling a no-tolerance policy toward political violence—even if it involves sitting lawmakers.
This also places additional pressure on the PTI, which is already grappling with internal divisions, defections, and diminishing political space. Imran Khan, who remains incarcerated in separate cases, has repeatedly called the May 9 incidents “a conspiracy” to crush PTI. However, the courts appear unconvinced by that narrative, instead focusing on the acts of violence carried out during the protests.
Clarification: Punjab Assembly Leader Not Among the Convicted
Contrary to some online claims, Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and a PTI member, has not been convicted or sentenced in this case. While he has been indicted in a separate May 9-related case involving an attack on a judicial complex in Mianwali, no final verdict has yet been issued in his matter.
The confusion may have stemmed from misleading headlines or premature reports. Malik Ahmad Khan continues to serve in the Punjab Assembly and maintains his innocence.
Reactions from PTI and Civil Society
PTI spokespersons have condemned the verdict, calling it “politically motivated” and “part of an ongoing crackdown against the opposition.” They argue that peaceful protests are a constitutional right and that labeling them as acts of terrorism sets a dangerous precedent.
Meanwhile, legal experts and civil society organizations remain divided. Some see the verdict as a necessary step toward restoring law and order and upholding the rule of law, while others caution against the overuse of anti-terror laws to suppress political dissent.
Conclusion
The sentencing of PTI leaders to 10 years in prison for their role in the May 9 riots is a landmark moment in Pakistan’s ongoing political and legal drama. It reflects the state’s intent to use the full force of the law against those involved in civil unrest, regardless of their political affiliation or office.
However, it also raises important questions about freedom of expression, proportionality in legal punishments, and the future of political opposition in the country. As more May 9 cases head toward verdicts, Pakistan’s judiciary and political system will remain under close national and international scrutiny.
Reference: پنجاب اسمبلی کے قائد حزب اختلاف اور پی ٹی آئی رہنما کو 9 مئی کیس میں 10 سال قید کی سزا سنا دی گئی