Lahore, September 10: A Pakistani court on Tuesday sentenced 17 supporters of former prime minister Imran Khan to 10 years in prison each for their role in the May 2023 riots, which broke out after Khan’s arrest.
The Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore Judge, Manzer Ali Gill, delivered the verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail. The case involved the torching of a Supreme Court judge’s vehicle during the protests that turned violent across the country last year.
Those convicted include senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders such as former Punjab ministers Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, former Punjab governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema, and former senator Ejaz Chaudhry.
The May 9, 2023, unrest marked one of Pakistan’s most turbulent episodes in recent years, as Khan’s arrest by the Pakistan Rangers triggered widespread demonstrations and clashes between security forces and PTI supporters.