Jailed PTI leaders urge CJP for early hearing of May 9 appeals

LAHORE: Several jailed leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have written to Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Yahya Afridi, requesting an early hearing of their appeals against convictions handed down in a case related to the May 9, 2023 riots.

According to a letter sent to the chief justice, the incarcerated leaders appealed for urgent judicial intervention, saying their constitutional rights were being undermined due to prolonged delays in hearing their appeals.

On July 22, 2025, a Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) sentenced several PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, to 10 years in prison in connection with violence at Sherpao Bridge during the protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.

In their letter, the leaders stated that despite being “law-abiding citizens of Pakistan”, they had been subjected to what they described as political victimisation and had remained imprisoned for the past 34 months.

They recalled that appeals against their convictions had been filed before the Lahore High Court shortly after the July 2025 verdict, but the cases had not been taken up for hearing even after eight months.

The PTI leaders also noted that their lawyer had filed a petition seeking an early hearing three months ago, but no progress had been made so far.

“Our families have been running from pillar to post without any response,” the letter stated, urging the chief justice to ensure that their appeals and applications for suspension of sentences were heard promptly.

Citing the legal maxim that “justice delayed is justice denied” the leaders requested the chief justice to direct the Lahore High Court to take up their appeals at the earliest possible date.

“Sir, as you expedited the court regarding our trial and early disposal, please expedite our appeals and suspension order also,” the letter said.

The case stems from the unrest that erupted across the country on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of Imran Khan. Authorities launched a sweeping crackdown against PTI leaders and workers, registering multiple cases over attacks on military and government installations.

In this particular case, the Sarwar Road Police Station had booked PTI leaders and supporters for allegedly ransacking and setting public property on fire at Sherpao Bridge in Lahore’s Cantonment area during the protests.