Anti-Terrorism Court Acquits All Accused in May 9 Riots Case

An Anti-Terrorism court has acquitted all 18 accused, including PTI workers, in the May 9 riots case due to lack of evidence. The verdict was delivered by Judge Muhammad Iqbal, who found no substantial proof against the defendants obstructing Torkham Road and causing property damage.

An Anti-Terrorism court has acquitted all 18 accused, including workers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, in the May 9 riots case due to insufficient evidence, ARY News reported on Friday. The defendants faced charges of obstructing Torkham Road, causing property damage, and vandalizing an Anti-Narcotics Force vehicle during a protest in Landi Kotal on May 9.

Judge Muhammad Iqbal of the Special Anti-Terrorism Court delivered the verdict, declaring that there was 'no evidence' against the accused. Consequently, all 18 defendants were found not guilty.

Previously, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration had recommended forming a judicial panel to Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim of the Peshawar High Court. The proposed commission is to be led by a sitting or retired judge to investigate the May 9 riots.

The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9 triggered nationwide violent clashes. Protests erupted in various regions, including Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad, forcing the deployment of armed forces to restore order. Army posts, such as the Corps Commander's residence in Lahore, were targeted by PTI workers.

In a related development, a supplementary challan in the Toshakhana case against Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi was submitted this week by a Pakistan investigative agency. The challan, filed with Special Judge Central, includes a list of 24 witnesses and purportedly contains hard evidence of corruption and misuse of position by the former prime minister to acquire financial benefits.

(With inputs from agencies.)