An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha has sentenced 32 individuals, including prominent political figures of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to 10 years in prison each in connection with the May 9, 2023 violence cases.

The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh.

Among those convicted are Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, MNA Rana Bilal, and MNA Ahmed Chattha. The verdict was issued after the court heard nine separate cases related to the incident.

After being sentenced, both the National Assembly members have been deprived of their seats.

PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Alia Hamza and Sanam Javed, as well as 150 unidentified individuals, have been declared proclaimed offenders in the same case, due to which they could not be sentenced.

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Others who have been sentenced included Muhammad Wilayat, Muhammad Ziauddin, Afraz Ahmed, Nabilullah, Abdullah, Abdul Aziz, Samar Khan, Insha Allah, Ahmed, Tariq Javed, Ahmed Nawaz, Safdar Khan, Mushtaq Khan, Shafiqullah, Shaukat Hayat, Arif Khan, Zafar Iqbal, Ilm Khan, Haruddin, Mohsin Fawad and others.

The case, registered at the Musakhel Police Station, was prosecuted under the Anti-Terrorism Act in connection with acts of vandalism and rioting during the May 9, 2023 protests. The protests had erupted following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan in a corruption case.

The court had granted exemption from personal appearance to all 32 accused, including Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar. PTI lawyers and supporters have rejected the court’s ruling, calling it unfair and politically motivated.

In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Bhachar strongly criticized the ATC decision and announced plans to challenge the verdict in the Lahore High Court.

"The court has ruled against me in a politically driven case that completely deviates from the Constitution," said Bhachar. "This decision was pronounced without following due legal process. Once I receive the written verdict, I will immediately approach the High Court."