Pakistani Court Sentences 47 to 10 Years in Prison Over May 9 GHQ Attack
Rawalpindi, Pakistan – An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has sentenced 47 individuals, including prominent leaders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, to 10 years in prison for their alleged involvement in the May 9, 2023, attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The sentencing, announced on Saturday, March 7, 2026, follows a detailed 16-page judgment penned by District and Sessions Judge Amjad Ali Shah.
Key Figures Among the Convicted
Among those sentenced are Hammad Azhar, Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Shibli Faraz, Murad Saeed, and Shahbaz Gill. Other convicted individuals include Zulfi Bukhari, Kanwal Shauzab, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Muhammad Ahmed Chattha, and Sheikh Rashid Shafique. Dawn and The News International reported on the sentencing.
The May 9 Riots and Subsequent Crackdown
The unrest stemmed from the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, which triggered widespread riots across Pakistan. Government buildings and military installations, including the GHQ, were targeted and vandalized. Following the violence, a crackdown was initiated against PTI leaders and supporters, resulting in numerous terrorism cases being filed.
Details of the Court’s Decision
The ATC imposed a fine of Rs500,000 (approximately $1,750 USD as of March 7, 2026) on each convict and ordered the confiscation of their property in favor of the state. Several of those sentenced, including Ayub, Faraz, and Gul, have already been convicted in other cases related to the May 9 riots, leading to their disqualification from holding public office. Daily Ausaf provided additional details on the court’s ruling.
Trial Details and Absconders
The case involved a total of 118 accused, including Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who were formally charged in December 2024. Statements from 44 prosecution witnesses were recorded during the trial. Eighteen of the accused were consistently absent throughout the proceedings, while 29 never appeared in court after the case was registered. A separate trial was conducted for the 47 individuals declared absconders under Section 21L of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
PTI’s Response
The PTI has denounced the sentences as “contrary to the basic principles of justice” and characterized them as “yet another sad example of vengeful actions” in Pakistan’s political history. The party stated it would pursue all constitutional and legal avenues to challenge the verdict and maintain that the justice system is being used for political aims.
Looking Ahead
The convictions mark a significant development in the legal fallout from the May 9 riots. The PTI maintains its innocence and vows to continue its political struggle, while the government asserts its commitment to upholding the rule of law. The convicted individuals are entitled to retrial if they surrender within two months, or demonstrate a valid reason for their absence.