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Islamabad High Court Acquits 4 PTI Workers in May 9 Riots Case
4 PTI workers jailed in the May 9 Ramna police station attack case acquitted by Islamabad High Court due to lack of evidence. Judges questioned the prosecution's failure to prove presence at the scene.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-03
Islamabad High Court Acquits 4 PTI Workers in May 9 Riots Case

In a significant legal development, the Islamabad High Court has acquitted four Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members previously convicted in the violent protests following the arrest of party founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. The acquitted individuals — Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan — were among 12 sentenced by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) for attacking Islamabad’s Ramna police station.

The May 9 protests erupted nationwide after Khan's arrest, resulting in the vandalism of military installations and state buildings, including an assault on the Lahore corps commander's residence. Thousands, including key party leaders, were arrested in the aftermath.

Earlier, the ATC had handed down heavy sentences to the accused under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), including 10 years under Section 7 ATA and multiple charges relating to arson, rioting, and attempted murder.

However, during the latest hearing, Justices Azam Khan and Khadim Soomro acquitted the four members, citing the prosecution's failure to provide conclusive evidence. Defense counsel Babar Awan argued that only one of nine prosecution witnesses — Assistant Sub-Inspector Muhammad Sharif — identified the accused, and no injuries were reported during the protest.

The bench criticized the lack of substantive evidence, questioning whether convictions could stand solely on identity parades without corroborating testimonies or proof of presence at the crime scene. “The system must not be turned into a joke,” remarked Justice Azam Khan, while dismissing the prosecution’s request for more time.

While this ruling brings relief to the four acquitted individuals, the broader legal and political fallout of the May 9 events continues to shape Pakistan's political landscape, revealing ongoing tensions between judicial accountability and political activism.
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