The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad on Wednesday acquitted PTI leaders Umar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Kanwal Shozeb and former member Fawad Chaudhry for their alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. An arrest warrant has been issued.
On May 9, 2023, a case was registered against PTI leaders and activists for allegedly burning a police van outside the State Bank of Pakistan in the Civil Lines police station area after the brief arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. was
Earlier this month, the judge had summoned the four leaders for the hearing of the case on May 9 at Civil Lines police station in Faisalabad. However, the leaders filed a petition, seeking exemption from the hearing. However, the court rejected the petitions.
Today, Judge Javed Iqbal Sheikh presided over the court proceedings and issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Ayub, Faraz, Shozaib and Fawad for not appearing in court.
A May 9 protest led by party leaders turned violent when supporters torched and vandalized state buildings and military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.
Following the incident, the government launched a crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters, leading to several arrests. However, several leaders got bail.
Earlier this month, the Faisalabad ATC had also issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the four leaders in another case related to the May 9 riots.
All the cases relate to Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). This provision makes it illegal to provide financial services to support the commission of terrorist acts. It also makes it illegal to use property to support the commission of terrorist acts.
Judge Shaikh had announced that the cases of the four leaders will now be heard separately from the other accused in the May 9 incidents. Charges were already framed against those who appeared regularly in court while the absentee accused were summoned for further proceedings.
