Punjab Assembly’s Opposition Leader, Ahmed Khan Bhachar, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha. The sentence comes in connection with the May 9 riots and vandalism incidents.
The ATC issued a brief ruling, sentencing 70 accused individuals including Ahmed Chattha, a Member of the Provincial Assembly. Notably, none of the convicted individuals, including Bhachar, were present in court at the time of the judgment.
According to court sources, the Mianwali vandalism case included over 30 suspects, among them Ahmed Khan Bhachar. They had earlier been granted exemption from personal court appearance.
Alongside Bhachar, all other political workers were also handed down 10-year prison sentences for their roles in the violent protests. The court emphasized that those who incited or participated in the attacks on public property must be held accountable.
The court also concluded trial proceedings against Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 13 other accused individuals. In total, 61 government witnesses provided testimonies against the suspects during the course of the trial.
This 9 May case verdict marks a major legal milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to prosecute those involved in nationwide unrest following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
