RAWALPINDI: Sixty individuals, including Hassan Khan Niazi, nephew of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, have been sentenced by a military court for their roles in the May 9 riots. The sentences were announced in a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.
According to the ISPR, the Field General Court Martial handed down the punishments after thoroughly reviewing the evidence, ensuring the legal rights of all defendants, and following due process. The convicted individuals have the right to appeal under the provisions of the Constitution and law.
This marks the conclusion of military trials for all those detained in connection with the riots. Previously, on December 21, military courts sentenced 25 civilians to rigorous imprisonment ranging from two to ten years for their involvement in attacks on military facilities earlier in 2023.
Concerns have been raised internationally, with the US, UK, and EU criticizing the trials of civilians in military courts, deeming them contrary to international law. Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) responded by emphasizing that the judgments were made under a law passed by parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court. FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to adhering to its international human rights obligations.
Brigadier (Retd.) Waqar Hassan commented on the situation, urging authorities to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind the riots. He claimed that some rioters received instructions from foreign entities, including those in the US and UK, to target military installations. He also highlighted that some individuals were manipulated into participating in the unrest.
Details of Sentences
The following individuals received sentences ranging from two to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in various incidents:
- Hassan Khan Niazi: 10 years, Jinnah House incident
- Mian Abbad Farooq: 2 years, Jinnah House incident
- Raees Ahmed: 6 years, Jinnah House incident
- Syed Hassan Shah: 9 years, GHQ attack
- Ali Hussain: 7 years, AIMH Rawalpindi attack
The convictions extend to multiple locations, including the GHQ attack, Chakdara Fort, and incidents at military installations in Rawalpindi, Mianwali, Faisalabad, and others.
Each sentence reflects the gravity of the actions committed during the riots, with the military reiterating its commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.
This development underscores the government’s determination to address the May 9 violence, which had significant implications for national security. While the sentences conclude one chapter, they also raise ongoing discussions about legal processes and human rights in the country.
