Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Lahore: A major developments have come to light in Pakistan’s politics. Seven prominent leaders of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been sentenced to 10-10 years by the Anti-Terrorism Court of Lahore. The sentence is pronounced in cases related to violence on 9 May 2023, in which government and military establishments were attacked.
These leaders were punished
According to the court official, the leaders who have been punished include Senator Ejaz Chaudhary (senior party leader and former MP), Sarfaraz Cheema (former Punjab Governor), Dr. Yasmin Rashid (former health minister of Punjab and head of women’s wing), Mahmudur Rashid (former provincial minister and senior party leader), Advocate Azim Pahat (one of the party’s legal advisory). Apart from this, the names of two more leaders are also mentioned in the same case, but in media reports, these five names have been highlighted primarily.
What was the allegation?
These convicted leaders were made serious allegations such as terrorism, damage to public property, inciting, inciting violence, and conspiring to attack the army. The court convicted them on the basis of evidence, video footage and witnesses.
What was the incident of May 9?
On 9 May 2023, Imran Khan was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from Islamabad in a corruption case. After this, PTI supporters started protests across Pakistan. Army offices, Rangers buildings and government properties were targeted in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, and other cities. The PTI initially stabbed the violence, but many of the videos and audio evidence later revealed that some top leaders of the party had provoked the protesters and planned an organized attacks.
What will be the effect of the decision?
This decision can have far -reaching political effects. Imran Khan is already in jail in many cases and the party is under pressure from the Election Commission and the government. Now after the punishment of these top leaders, the leadership of the party has suffered a major setback. Political analysts believe that these leaders may be convicted in other cases related to the May 9 violence, which can lead to punishment and longer. The PTI has said to appeal, describing the court’s decision as “inspired by politics”. (Language)
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