In a significant development, military courts have sentenced 25 individuals to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years for their roles in the violent attacks on state installations that occurred on May 9, 2023. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) shared the news on Saturday, noting that these sentences were issued during the first phase of the trials.
The unrest erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which prompted widespread protests and violence against military facilities, including an attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ). While many PTI supporters have faced arrests and military trials, the party asserts that it was not involved in the violence.
The ISPR expressed that the recent sentences mark an important milestone in delivering justice and serve as a warning to those who might be swayed by political manipulation into taking the law into their own hands. The military also confirmed that multiple accused individuals are being tried in anti-terrorism courts, and additional sentences will be announced as cases are processed.
The ISPR described the events of May 9 as a dark moment for the nation, emphasizing the need for accountability following what they identified as politically instigated attacks against the armed forces. They reaffirmed the commitment of the state to pursue justice against those responsible for the unrest, aiming to prevent further politically charged violence fueled by hate and misinformation.
Prominent figures facing consequences include those directly involved in specific incidents, with many receiving the maximum sentence for their actions. The legal framework allows all convicts the right to appeal their sentences.
