An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has recently sentenced 47 leaders and supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in absentia. This decision comes amidst a wider crackdown on the opposition following former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s removal from office. The court delivered ten-year imprisonment sentences to these individuals under Section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997, which addresses obstruction of justice by evading arrest or investigation. Additionally, each has been fined rs500,000 ($1,785 USD) as reported.
The charges against these leaders are rooted in violent protests which erupted on May 9, 2023, the day of Imran Khan’s arrest. That day witnessed thousands of protestors storming the General Headquarters (GHQ) and damaging military installations. These riots resulted in significant property damage and the deaths of at least eight individuals. More than 4,000 arrests were made, predominantly targeting PTI members. The court claims that the sentenced individuals orchestrated a mob of 250-300 people to attack GHQ with slogans, sticks, and petrol bombs.
This legal action is part of a broader pattern of governmental measures targeting PTI since Khan was ousted in 2022. Amnesty International previously criticized a military court’s sentencing of 25 civilians for participating in the same riots, describing it as contrary to international law. The PTI, representing Pakistan’s largest opposition faction, maintains its stance that these legal challenges are motivated by political vendettas. Concerns over fair trial rights were intensified as the accused were assigned ‘state counsel’ instead of their chosen defense, depriving them of fully presenting their case.
The original case implicated 118 individuals, including Imran Khan. However, 29 did not appear in court, and 18 were absent during the trials. This led to a separate proceeding for the 47 declared absconders. There remains a possible recourse; should these individuals surrender or be apprehended within two months, they may receive a retrial, potentially overturning their convictions.
Since Khan’s political exit, PTI has faced extensive repression. Khan himself has been sentenced to over 65 years in various cases, and a number of affiliated legal professionals have been penalized for online activities. These actions underscore the tense and charged political climate in Pakistan as the nation grapples with questions of justice and governance, as further outlined in recent reports.