Lahore:
Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) condemned the judgments handed down by the courts against terrorism and sentenced the leader of the senior party Dr. Yasmin Rashid and 40 others to 10 years in prison for May 9. The party felt the decision politically motivated and a serious blow to legal integrity.
PTI has called the decision an attempt to disturb the planned rally on August 5, which aims to mark the anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest. Despite the setback, the party has promised to continue with its political activities.
Dr. Yasmin, 72, a former provincial Minister of Health and Cancer survivors, has been in custody for almost two years. PTI highlighted recordings from May 9, where she can be heard disappointing protesters from entering Corps Commander House and arguing that the evidence undermines the charges brought against her.
The party’s officials claimed that the conviction is part of a wider campaign for political retaliation, pointing out that PTI leaders who publicly distanced themselves from the party were acquitted in similar cases. Those who remained loyal, they claim, now face disproportionate legal consequences.
PTI further questioned the credibility of testimony presented in the trial. According to the party, the only witness claimed police who were found-in-accordance with having overheard PTI founder Imran Khan, who plans events 9 May. However, under subsequent procedures via video link, the witness reportedly declined to confirm this testimony under oath.
Read more: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years in 9th May Riots -Case
“This inconsistent and supposedly forced testimony raises serious concerns about the proper process,” the party said, adding that different results for similar charged persons question the legal process.
The party also criticized ongoing restrictions on access to Imran Khan who remains imprisoned. PTI claims that KHAN’s family members, legal teams and party leaders have been denied visiting rights, contrary to both Pakistani prison provisions and international human rights standards.
According to the Prison Act of 1894 and the Prison Rules in 1978, PTI claims that Khan, as a former prime minister and one-class prisoner, has the right to appointed legal and personal privileges. These include access to private quarters, medical treatment, consultation with personal doctors and lawyers, visiting rights and sufficient time for training.
The party claims that these rights are legal rights, not discretionary benefits and called on the authorities to ensure compliance with national and international norms regarding the treatment of prisoners.
Also more: Punjab Opposition Leader, PTI supporters sentenced to 10 years in the 9th of May –
A day earlier, an anti-terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore Six Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) acquitted leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the riots 9 May.
The court handed down its judgment in the case of inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both defense and prosecution, reserved for his decision before announcing the decision.
The verdict stated that ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem and four other accused persons due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed in 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
ATC Sargodha also sentenced opposition leader in the Punjab assembly, PTI’s Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar and other party workers for 10 years in prison each. They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disorders, anarchy and arson during the riots on May 9, which broke out after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
HRCP -FLAG 9. May Dom
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep concern about the recent beliefs handed down by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore against senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI), including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and others.
These leaders have already spent over two years in detention in connection with the events on May 9, 2023.
HRCP notes with concern the beliefs provided by an anti-terrorism court in Lahore against senior @PTIOFFICIAL Leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and others who have already atoned over two years in prison in connection with the events in …
– Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) July 23, 2025
According to HRCP, each of the convicted persons has been sentenced to ten years in prison. The Commission noted that the timing and severity of the judgments risk creating the perception of political victim, rather than being considered the result of a transparent legal process.
While acknowledging that accountability is necessary for violent or illegal acts, HRCP raised concerns about the use of anti-terrorism laws against political figures. It questioned whether the sentences were proportionate and were in line with the principles of justice.
The HRCP also warned that such judgments could erode public confidence in the judiciary and undermine the integrity of the justice system.
Talal rejects claims about victims
Prime Minister of Internal Talal Chaudhry has rejected allegations of political victims in May 9 cases and claimed that the recent beliefs were based on “clear evidence and facts.”
In a television message on Wednesday, the minister expressed a deep regret over the violent events that unfolded on May 9 last year, describing the turmoil as “unprecedented chaos, which was encouraged by a political party” in the country’s history.
Chaudhry said that sensitive installations, including police stations, Lahores Jinnah House and both public and private property, were attacked and set on fire.
He maintained that significant evidence-inclusive video footage and statements from Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) leaders-linked the party to the violence. “The planning of these actions took place in Homes of PTI leaders,” he claimed.
The Minister reiterated the government’s position that accountability should be secured by legal and constitutional means emphasized that the judgments handed down by the courts were based on law, not politics.
May 9th riots
Riot 9 May broke out nationwide after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests aimed at both civilian and military installations, including Jinnah House and General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The military condemned the events as a “black day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
As a result of the turmoil, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court sentenced 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60.
In January, 19 had their sentences pardoned after successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction with the limited number of pardens.
The military lawsuits had originally been stopped after a Supreme Court Recovery, but were resumed following the court’s instructions to end pending cases and advertise judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
