The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Gujranwala issued its verdict against 51 accused individuals charged with arson and vandalism on May 9, 2023. Presided over by Judge Natasha Naseem Supra, the court convicted each defendant, identified as PTI workers, sentencing them to five years in prison under multiple provisions. The judgment comes after the court summoned Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, Umar Sarfaraz Cheema, and other accused individuals earlier in the week to face charges in three cases related to the May 9 incidents. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses committed during the unrest. This decision underscores the legal system’s commitment to upholding law and order and holding individuals accountable for acts of violence and destruction. The verdict serves as a deterrent against future acts of terrorism and sends a message of justice being served to those involved in criminal activities.
ATC Judge Arshad Javed presided over cases involving the attack on the PML-N office, setting a container on fire at Kalma Chowk, and burning three police vans on May 9 last year. PTI leaders including Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, Umar Sarfaraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Senator Ijaz Chaudhry, and others were presented by the police. The court scheduled the framing of charges for the next hearing, having provided copies of the chargesheet to all accused. Further proceedings were adjourned until April 08, marking the formal commencement of trial after indictment in the three cases.