51 Pakistani Prisoners Behind Bars: Pakistan's Gujranwala May 9 Protests Lead To Five-Year Sentences

After the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2018, an attack on the Gujranwala cantonment ensued, leading to the conviction of 51 prisoners to five years in prison by an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Gujranwala, according to a report by Dawn.

The protests that erupted across Pakistan following Imran Khan's incarceration on May 9, 2023, saw demonstrations organized in various towns, reflecting the outrage among supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Photo Credit: PTI

51 Pakistani Prisoners Behind Bars

Over 100 individuals are presently undergoing trial for their alleged involvement in the attacks on army sites during the protests that ensued after Imran's detention on May 9 the previous year, reported Dawn. The Rahwali Cantt police initiated legal action against suspects accused of assaulting the cantonment in Gujranwala, resulting in numerous injuries and one fatality, as per local media reports.

Among those injured was Senior Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Usman Tariq Butt. The first information report was filed under anti-terrorism legislation and charges of attempted murder. The sentence, pronounced on Saturday by ATC Judge Natasha Naseem Sipra, included rigorous imprisonment for five years and a fine of PKR 10,000, with an additional 10 days of simple imprisonment in case of default, under various sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Furthermore, rigorous imprisonment for five years and a PKR 10,000 fine, with an additional 10 days of simple imprisonment in case of default, was prescribed under specific sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Additionally, rigorous imprisonment for five years and a PKR 10,000 fine, with an extra 10 days of simple imprisonment in case of default, was mandated under other sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, as reported by First Post.

Moreover, one year of rigorous imprisonment was specified under sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) for various offences. The sentences were to run concurrently, with convicts entitled to benefit from Section 382-B of the Criminal Procedure Code, which factors in the period of detention served thus far.

The warrant authorized the superintendent of Central Jail Gujranwala to receive the convicts into custody and execute the sentences accordingly.