19 PTI workers granted pardon over May 9 unrest: ISPR

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday that 19 PTI workers who were convicted in May 9 cases by the military court, were granted pardon.

ISPR stated that the culprits were sentenced to up to 10 years over the attack on the Corp Commander House, known as the Jinnah House.

The convicted individuals had filed petitions of mercy and pardon, which were accepted by the military court. 

As many as 67 culprits filed the petitions against their convictions, of which 48 were sent for review to the ‘Court of Appeal’ for legal action, while petitions of 19 were accepted only on a humanitarian basis.

Other mercy appeals will be reviewed in accordance with the law. 

Those pardoned by the Court of Appeal, include Muhammad Ayaz, Samiullah, Laiq Ahmed, Amjad Ali, Yasir Nawaz, Saeed Alam, Saeed Alam, Zahid Khan, Muhammad Suleman, and Hamza Sharif.

According to the ISPR, the Court of Appeal also pardoned the sentences of Muhammad Salman, Ashar Butt, Muhammad Waqas, Sufyan Idrees, Munib Ahmed, Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Bilawal, and Muhammad Ilyas.

“All those convicted retain the right of appeal and other legal remedies as per the law and the constitution,” stated the ISPR.

“The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy.”

The ISPR reiterated that the pardon is proof of strengthened justice that ensures that justice is served but in views of “compassion and mercy”.

Military courts had sentenced 25 individuals involved in the May 9 riots on December 21. The suspects were accused of attacking state installations and engaging in violence and vandalism during protests after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in 2023.