Latest news with #BlackDay
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ECP disqualifies PTI's Abdul Latif Chitrali after ATC conviction
Listen to article The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has disqualified another Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legislator, Abdul Latif Chitrali, and declared his National Assembly seat (NA-1, Upper and Lower Chitral) vacant, following the denotification of his electoral victory. This decision comes after Chitrali was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an Anti-Terrorism Court for his involvement in the violent events of May 9. The official notification issued by the ECP stated, 'As a result, Abdul Latif Chitrali stands disqualified under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.' Also Read: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years The court's ruling and the subsequent ECP action have led to the vacancy of Chitrali's seat in the National Assembly, marking a significant development in the aftermath of the May 9 events. A day earlier, ECP issued disqualification notifications for three PTI lawmakers, including Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court. In a notification issued Monday, the ECP confirmed the disqualification of Chaudhry, MNA Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar. All three were handed 10-year prison sentences under anti-terrorism charges. Read More: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC Senator Chaudhry was found guilty by an anti-terrorism court and is no longer eligible to remain a member of the Senate under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, the ECP said. 'The anti-terrorism court has declared Ejaz Chaudhry guilty and sentenced him to ten years,' the notification stated. Meanwhile, ATC Lahore acquitted six PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years in prison. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Statehood demand: Congress announces August 5 as Black day in J&K
JAMMU: Demanding restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Congress will observe Aug 5 as Black Day. J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday said this will also mark 'six years since the state was downgraded. ' Peaceful sit-in protests will be held in Jammu's Maharaja Hari Singh statue park besides all district headquarters, Karra said at a press conference. He also announced day-long hunger strikes from Aug 9 to 20, beginning on the Quit India Day and concluding on the birth anniversary of former PM Rajiv Gandhi. Hunger strikes will not be held on Aug 15 and 16, he said. On Aug 5, 2019, Centre had abrogated Article 370 which granted special status to J&K and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two UTs.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
ECP disqualifies three PTI lawmakers following ATC verdict in May 9 case
Listen to article The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued disqualification notifications for three Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, including Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, following their convictions by an anti-terrorism court. In a notification issued Monday, the ECP confirmed the disqualification of Chaudhry, MNA Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, and Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar. All three were handed 10-year prison sentences under anti-terrorism charges. Senator Chaudhry was found guilty by an anti-terrorism court and is no longer eligible to remain a member of the Senate under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, the ECP said. 'The anti-terrorism court has declared Ejaz Chaudhry guilty and sentenced him to ten years,' the notification stated. Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years The ECP also disqualified MNA Chattha and MPA Bhachar, citing similar convictions. Chattha was elected from NA-66 Wazirabad, while Bhachar represented PP-87 Mianwali in the Punjab Assembly. Last week, an anti-terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced Bhachar and other PTI workers to 10 years in prison each. Meanwhile, ATC Lahore acquitted six PTI leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years in prison. Also Read: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling. The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, Yasmin Rashid sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case
Listen to article An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has acquitted six Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, in connection with the May 9 riots, while sentencing 10 others, including Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, to 10 years in prison on Tuesday. The court delivered its verdict in the case concerning inflammatory speeches and vandalism at the Sherpao Bridge. The court, which had completed final arguments from both the defence and prosecution, reserved its decision before announcing the ruling. The verdict stated that the ATC acquitted Qureshi, Azeem, and four other accused individuals due to insufficient evidence. However, the court found 10 others guilty and handed down 10-year prison sentences for their role in the violence that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The case involves violent protests and damage caused to public and private property, including incidents of arson and vandalism, that erupted on May 9, following the arrest of the former prime minister. Earlier, an ATC in Sargodha sentenced Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, PTI's Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and other party workers to 10 years in prison each. They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disturbances, anarchy, and arson during the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The ATC judge delivered the verdict after hearing detailed arguments and finding that the prosecution had established its case. The defence counsels argued that the accused were not involved in the charges brought against them, claiming that these were politically motivated cases. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Express Tribune
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab assembly opposition leader, PTI supporters sentenced in May 9 violence case
Listen to article An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced PTI Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, and other party workers to 10 years in prison each on Tuesday. They were found guilty of involvement in creating law and order disturbances, anarchy, and arson during the May 9 riots, which erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The ATC judge delivered the verdict after hearing detailed arguments and finding that the prosecution had established its case. The defense counsels argued that the accused were not involved in the charges brought against them, claiming that these were politically motivated cases. They further stated that no substantial evidence was available to link their clients to the offences outlined in the FIR. Read More: Imran involved in May 9 conspiracy, rules LHC However, the prosecution countered by presenting concrete evidence establishing the involvement of the accused. They argued that the defendants incited public unrest, leading to violent incidents across the country. The FIR included charges under anti-terrorism laws related to vandalism, arson, and inciting riots during protests that followed Imran Khan's arrest. According to court proceedings, the accused were found guilty of damaging public property, setting buildings on fire, and causing unrest. The ATC handed down the sentence after a thorough examination of the evidence, witness statements, and police reports. 'Black day of democracy' PTI's Deputy Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Moeen Riaz Qureshi, termed the sentences handed down by the ATC court as the 'black day of democracy,' stating that lawmakers, including the opposition leader of the largest province, were unlawfully sentenced based on fabricated evidence and witnesses. Also Read: PTI MNA, ex-MPA among 11 convicted in May 9 rioting case He emphasized that every child in Pakistan is aware of the fate of these cases and that the public is fully informed about the court's conduct. PTI will challenge the ATC court's decision in the appellate court. Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, the opposition leader, will continue to serve as the opposition leader in the future. PTI's Chief Whip in the Punjab Assembly, Rana Shahbaz Ahmad, stated that such decisions would not force them to bow down, as they stand firm for a cause and the future of the nation. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
