Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

PTI MNA Abdul Latif Gets 27-Year Sentence Over May 9 Police Station Attack
PTI MNA Abdul Latif sentenced to 27 years in prison by ATC for attacking Islamabad’s Ramna police station during May 9 riots. Court says “violence can't be part of protest.”
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-30
PTI MNA Abdul Latif Gets 27-Year Sentence Over May 9 Police Station Attack

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Abdul Latif and others to 27 years of imprisonment on Friday for their involvement in the violent attack on Islamabad's Ramna Police Station during the May 9, 2023 riots.

The ruling comes nearly a year after widespread protests erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. The demonstrations turned violent in several cities, leading to vandalism of military and state buildings, including an attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. Thousands of protesters, including senior PTI leaders and workers, were subsequently arrested.

Presiding over ATC Special Court-II, Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra found the accused guilty under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act. MNA Abdul Latif, elected from NA-1 Chitral, was absent from the courtroom when the verdict was announced. His conviction carries an automatic disqualification from public office for five years.

The court sentenced each of the convicts to 27 years in prison, to run concurrently, along with a fine of Rs327,000. The judge cited the testimony of 20 witnesses, including magistrates, in reaching the verdict.

“You are accused of attacking the Ramna Police Station in Islamabad. If you attack your own police stations, the country will no longer be livable,” Judge Sipra remarked. He emphasized that while protest is a democratic right, resorting to violence and destruction is unacceptable.

Four accused present in the courtroom—Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan—were taken into custody following the verdict. Arrest warrants have been issued for the remaining absentees.

The punishments under different charges include:

·       10 years and Rs200,000 fine under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act

·       5 years and Rs50,000 fine for attempted murder (Section 324 PPC)

·       4 years and Rs40,000 fine for burning a motorcycle (Section 426 PPC)

·       4 years and Rs40,000 fine for police station vandalism (Section 440 PPC)

·       3 months for obstructing police work (Section 186 PPC)

·       1 month for violating Section 144

·       2 years under Section 149 for being part of an unlawful assembly

Prosecutor Raja Naveed led the case, presenting evidence and conducting cross-examinations.

This verdict comes in the wake of similar sentences delivered by military courts in December 2024, where 85 civilians were sentenced to 2–10 years for attacking military installations. Among them was Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, sentenced to 10 years.

While 19 convicted civilians were granted pardons on "humanitarian grounds," the military's press wing reiterated that all convicts retain the right to appeal under constitutional law.

The court’s ruling marks another chapter in the ongoing legal fallout from the May 9 unrest, highlighting the state’s resolve to prosecute those accused of violence against state institutions.

 
Tagged:

PTI

ImranKhan

PakistanPolitics

May9Riots

AntiTerrorismCourt

AbdulLatif
Share News: