A special anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad has sentenced 59 leaders and workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the May 9 attack case. The incident involved an assault on the residence of former Interior Minister Rana Sanaulla.
According to court officials, 14 individuals received three-year prison terms. Meanwhile, 45 others, including senior PTI leaders, were sentenced to 10 years in jail. Those sentenced include Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, and Sheikh Rashid Shafiq.
Two sitting members of the Punjab Assembly were also among those convicted. However, 34 accused were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The attack on Rana Sanaulla‘s house was part of nationwide unrest that erupted after the arrest of PTI’s former chairman. Protesters damaged government and military properties, prompting legal action across several cities.
The court’s verdict is being seen as a major step in the May 9 investigations. Authorities stated that more arrests could follow as investigations continue.
In response to the ruling, PTI has announced its plan to challenge the decision in higher courts. Party representatives called the verdict politically motivated and unfair.
Government officials, however, welcomed the court’s judgment. They said the sentences show that violence and attacks on public property will not be tolerated. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that justice has been served for the attack on Rana Sanaulla’s residence.
The ruling comes as courts across Pakistan continue hearing similar cases linked to the May 9 violence. This verdict sets a strong legal precedent for future cases involving attacks on public and private property.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between PTI and the government, with the legal battle likely to continue in the coming months.
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