On July 22, 2025, an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha sentenced Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, the PTI Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, along with other party workers, to ten years in prison each. The court found them guilty of inciting disturbances, creating chaos, and committing arson during the riots on May 9, which occurred following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The ATC judge issued the verdict after evaluating arguments from both sides. Prosecutors presented solid evidence linking the accused to inciting unrest and violence. The defence counsel argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked substantial proof.
The FIR charged the accused under anti-terrorism laws for vandalism, arson, and inciting riots. Court proceedings showed they damaged public property, set buildings on fire, and caused widespread unrest. The sentence followed a detailed examination of evidence, witness statements, and police reports.
قائدِ ملت کی آواز پر لبیک ہے، وفا کا وعدہ اٹل ہے۔@MAhmedBhachar #زنجیریں_توڑ_کر_نکلیں_گے pic.twitter.com/q5ALanHLLE
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2025Defence lawyers claimed innocence. They stated that the cases were fabricated and lacked evidence linking the clients to the FIR offences. However, prosecutors countered with solid proof of involvement. They argued the defendants sparked public unrest leading to nationwide violence.
PTI’s Deputy Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi called the verdict a “black day of democracy.” He said lawmakers faced unlawful sentences based on fabricated evidence. PTI plans to challenge the decision in appellate court. Bhachar will continue as opposition leader.
یہ فیصلہ نہیں، عدالتی نظام پر سوال ہے!
10 سال کی غیر آئینی سزائیں، قانون خود تماشا بن رہا ہے۔@intazarpanjutha #زنجیریں_توڑ_کر_نکلیں_گے pic.twitter.com/jN7C2LlSwY
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 22, 2025Chief Whip Rana Shahbaz Ahmad added: “Such decisions won’t force us to bow down. We stand firm for our cause and the nation’s future.”
The riots erupted nationwide after Imran Khan’s arrest. PTI leaders and workers protested, targeting civil and military sites like Jinnah House and GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military labelled it a “Black Day” and tried protesters under the Army Act.
Military courts convicted 25 individuals in December, including Khan’s nephew Hassan Khan Niazi, and sentenced 60 more. In January 2025, 19 received pardons via mercy appeals, though PTI criticised the limited number.
