ATC orders confiscation of PTI leaders’ properties after May 9 riots convictions

Following their disqualification, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members face another serious blow, as the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has ordered the confiscation of properties owned by several prominent party leaders.

The decision came just a day after the conviction of four PTI leaders, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, in two separate cases linked to the May 9 riots.

The reserved verdict was announced on Monday by ATC-I Judge Manzar Ali Gill, who sentenced the four leaders to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in the attack on Shadman police station and the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House.

May 9 riots: Qureshi acquitted, Dr Yasmin, Sanam Javed, Aliya Hamza and others get jail terms

Meanwhile, former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was acquitted in these cases. However, due to his involvement in other pending cases related to the May 9 riots, he will remain in custody.

Alongside the jail sentences, the ATC also imposed fines totalling Rs600,000 on Dr Yasmin Rashid, Chaudhry, Cheema, and Rasheed.

Additionally, in the same case, PTI leaders Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed were sentenced to five years in prison each.

In his ruling, Judge Gill issued jail warrants and directed that the convicted leaders be handed over to the jail superintendent. He also ordered the confiscation of their properties.

Read: PTI lawmakers challenge ECP disqualification order in PHC

In a separate order, Judge Gill issued release orders for Qureshi in the two cases, stating, "If Shah Mahmood Qureshi is not wanted in any other case, then he should be released." Despite this, Qureshi remains behind bars due to other cases still under trial.

While the court proceedings concluded on Saturday at Kot Lakhpat Jail, the verdicts were reserved and formally announced on Monday.

Last month, the ATC had also acquitted Qureshi while sentencing Dr Yasmin Rashid, Chaudhry, Cheema, Rasheed, and others to 10 years in prison in connection with another May 9 riots case involving violence on Sherpao Bridge.