In a heart-wrenching verdict, a PTI worker faces life sentence for his role in the May 9 riots in Mianwali, while 50 others, including prominent PTI leaders, were declared proclaimed offenders for evading trial. The Anti-Terrorism Court in Sargodha delivered the ruling on August 1, 2025, marking a significant escalation in the crackdown on PTI following the violent protests sparked by former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023.
Court Decision about PTI Worker Faces Life Sentence
The court’s decision, which also saw Khan’s entire property forfeited to the state, reflects the severity of charges linked to the attack on the Mianwali Judicial Complex. Among the absconders are PTI figures like Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Ahmed Chhatta, and Bilal Ijaz, accused of fueling chaos that damaged public and military installations. The judge noted attempts to delay proceedings, raising concerns about deliberate efforts to obstruct justice.
PTI leaders have condemned the verdicts as politically motivated, arguing they aim to suppress dissent and disqualify elected representatives. “This is a sad day for democracy,” said PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, vowing to challenge the rulings in higher courts.
As Pakistan grapples with political turmoil, the May 9 riots continue to cast a long shadow, deepening divisions and leaving families of the convicted in distress over an uncertain future.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 2nd, 2025
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