Punjab ATC Hands 10-Year Jail Term to Opposition Leader, PTI Workers in May 9 Riots Case

 An Anti-Terrorism Court in Sargodha has sentenced *Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar, MNA Mohammad Ahmed Chattha, and several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers to 10 years in prison. The judgment stems from vandalism and riots sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023 .

All 32 accused, including Bachar—who was absent in court—were exempted from personal appearance. The charges arise from protests and destruction of public property that reportedly targeted military and police installations, including Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters (GHQ).

Legal Implications and Context

This sentence compounds legal pressures on PTI leadership who have faced numerous cases since the May 9 events, which saw high-profile attacks such as damaging the military’s GHQ and other installations ([The News International][2], [Wikipedia][3]). In parallel proceedings, Anti-Terrorism Courts in Islamabad and other cities sentenced PTI workers and MNAs—including Abdul Latif—for involvement in riots at Ramna police station, with punishments ranging from over 15 years to 27 years ([Business Recorder][4]).

Some convicts, such as Sohail Khan, Mohammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Mira Khan—initially sentenced to 10 years—were later acquitted by the Islamabad High Court, which cited insufficient identification and evidence .

Broader Fallout

The May 9 riots prompted a sweeping state response. Over 85 civilians have been tried by military courts—more than 60 of whom received sentences between 2 and 10 years, according to Pakistan’s Inter‑Services Public Relations (ISPR) ([Business Recorder][6]). International bodies and human rights organizations have criticized the use of military courts for civilian cases, citing concerns about due process .

Domestically, PTI leaders—including Omar Ayub Khan and other provincial lawmakers—face arrest warrants and trials in multiple regions, accused of inciting violence linked to the May 9 events ([The News International][8]).

Reaction from PTI

The PTI has denounced the convictions as “politically motivated” and pledged to appeal. The party argues that the May 9 protests were manipulated to justify a broader legal crackdown and has appealed to international forums to contest these rulings ([Dawn][9]). Key national leaders describe the legal actions as attempts to silence opposition voices ahead of upcoming elections.

What’s Next?

Appeals & Legal Review: PTI is expected to challenge this and other convictions in higher courts, including potentially the Islamabad High Court.
Political Climate: Sentencing of high-profile opposition figures may intensify tensions during election season and fuel calls for judicial reforms.
International Scrutiny: Global observers continue to monitor Pakistan’s handling of military vs. civilian trials amid human rights concerns.

The Sargodha ATC’s 10-year jail sentences for Ahmed Khan Bachar, Mohammad Chattha, and PTI workers mark the latest phase in a complex legal battleground following the May 9, 2023 riots. With overlapping civilian and military trials, judicial appeals, and political repercussions, Pakistan’s courts remain at the center of national attention as the country heads toward its next electoral cycle.