May 9 Attack Case: 47 PTI Leaders Sentenced, Surrender by May 7 to Void Sentence

ATC Sentences 47 PTI Leaders to 10 Years in May 9 GHQ Attack Case

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has sentenced 47 proclaimed offenders, including prominent figures from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, to 10 years imprisonment each in connection with the May 9, 2023, attacks on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The court also imposed a fine of Rs500,000 on each convict and ordered the confiscation of their assets. The sentences are contingent on the accused surrendering to the court by May 7, 2026, at which point the cases will be retried on their merits.

The Verdict and Surrender Condition

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah delivered the verdict on Saturday, issuing warrants for the sentences and outlining the surrender terms. Special Prosecutor Zaheer Shah represented the state in the proceedings. The court stipulated that failure to pay the Rs500,000 fine will result in additional imprisonment for the convicted individuals. This unusual condition – offering sentence annulment upon surrender – appears designed to encourage the accused to face the charges in court.

Who Was Convicted?

Among those convicted in absentia are several high-profile PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz, Shahbaz Gill, Zulfi Bukhari, Murad Saeed, Zartaj Gul, Hammad Azhar, Kanwal Shauzab, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Ejaz Khan Jazi, Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Usman Saeed Basra, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, Rai Hassan Nawaz, and Rai Muhammad Murtaza. The court found these individuals involved in the conspiracy behind the May 9 incidents, as identified by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).

The Charges: Vandalism and Attacks on State Property

The charges against the convicted individuals include arson, rioting, vandalism, attacks on police, and damage to government property. Specifically, the court linked them to attacks on the GHQ gate, Hamza Camp, the Army Museum, and the Sixth Road Metro Station. The case was registered at the RA Bazaar Police Station. The May 9 riots, also referred to as the May 9 protests and observed as Black Day by the Pakistani government, were a series of violent incidents that erupted across the country following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. More information about the May 9 riots can be found on Wikipedia.

Trial in Absentia and Proclaimed Offenders

The 47 individuals were tried under Section 21L of the Anti-Terrorism Act after being declared proclaimed offenders for remaining absent from court proceedings for two years. Of those convicted, 18 were continuously absent throughout the trial, whereas 29 never appeared after the case was initially registered. The court initiated proceedings against them after an application filed on January 6, 2026, under Section 19/10, and a subsequent judicial inquiry confirmed they were deliberately evading justice. Notices were published in newspapers on January 8, 2026, giving the accused seven days to surrender, but none did so.

Broader Case Context: 118 Accused

This verdict represents a component of a larger prosecution involving a total of 118 accused, including PTI founder Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who were formally indicted in December 2024. The broader case has 119 witnesses, with 47 having recorded their statements so far, though none have yet been cross-examined. Proceedings in the main trial have faced delays, including approximately three months due to a non-functional video link system. The Tribune reported on these delays.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next step hinges on whether any of the 47 convicted individuals choose to surrender by the May 7 deadline. If they do, their cases will be re-opened and tried on merit. If they remain at large, the sentences will stand, and authorities will likely pursue their arrest. The broader case involving Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi will continue, with the prosecution expected to present further witnesses and evidence. The legal process is likely to be protracted, given the complexity of the case and the large number of accused and witnesses.