GUJRANWALA: On Saturday, a Gujranwala anti-terrorism court (ATC) sentenced 51 defendants found guilty of participating in the May 9 riots of last year to five years in prison apiece.
The case pertaining to destruction and arson at Gujranwala Cantt was heard by ATC judge Natasha Naseem Supra. The case involved the nomination of over 400 defendants and 23 PTI leaders, including the party’s founder Imran Khan and Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The accused political workers were each given a five-year prison sentence by the court, which announced a brief verdict. Some of the accused were detained after being caught in violation of police charge sheets, while others were taken into custody from the vandalism site.
ATC will later render a comprehensive decision.
Of the 51 criminals sentenced today, none are high-profile PTI leaders or party office bearers, according to the police.
More than 200 unnamed individuals and 23 PTI leaders were initially nominated by the police in this investigation. When the police questioned the suspects, more than 400 people were nominated.
A total of 199 witnesses took depositions in court during the trial.
In addition, Qureshi and the PTI founder, who are detained at Adiala Jail, were questioned by Gujranwala police over the Gujranwala Cantt arson and vandalism case. However, the police claim that the former prime minister asked his lawyers to provide a response and refused to assist in the investigation.
