LHC denies relief to PTI leaders in May 9 Cases, suspends sentence of Afzal Pahat

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday refused to grant interim relief to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rashid, dismissing their applications seeking suspension of sentences in multiple cases linked to the May 9 riots.

A division bench comprising Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi and Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa heard the petitions filed by the incarcerated leaders, who had challenged their convictions while also requesting temporary suspension of their sentences pending appeal.

The court rejected their pleas for interim relief and adjourned proceedings on the main appeals.

In a separate development, the bench granted similar relief to PTI leader Afzal Azeem Pahat, ordering the suspension of his sentence.

Several senior PTI figures — including Chaudhry, Rashid, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and Omer Sarfraz Cheema — have been convicted by anti-terrorism courts in five cases related to the violent protests of May 9, 2023. The charges stem from incidents such as the attack on Shadman police station, violence at Sherpao Bridge, the burning of police vehicles, and the torching of a Supreme Court judge’s squad vehicle near Jinnah House.

The convictions include charges of abetment of violence and criminal conspiracy, with each accused receiving an average sentence of around 10 years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, concerns persist over Ejaz Chaudhry’s health. The former senator, who suffers from heart and kidney ailments, recently underwent a medical examination at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology after the provincial government granted permission. Reports indicate a further deterioration in his kidney condition.