Jail sentences of PTI leaders carry punishment of total 38 years each

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday released a written order in which it said that the case of arson on Sherpao Bridge on May 9 against eight PTI leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, had been proved, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In its 42-page written order, it said that each accused was handed a total of 38 years rigorous imprisonment under different sections.

It further said that accused Afzal Azeem, Ali Hassan and Riaz Hussain, who were on bail, had been arrested and handed over to the jail authorities. 

It added that each accused was also fined Rs300,000, and that in the event of the non-payment of the fine, the convicts would have to undergo more imprisonment.

“Six accused, including Shah Mehmood Qureshi, are acquitted since the investigation officers failed to present concrete evidence against them,” read the verdict.   

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mahmood Rashid, to 10 years in prison each in the Sherpao Bridge arson and incitement case.

The court, however, acquitted six accused namely Qureshi, Hamza Pahat (son of lawyer and PTI leader Afzal Azeem Pahat), Rana Tanveer, Azaz Rafique, Ziyas and Muhammad Iftikhar — citing insufficient evidence.

Reporter: Jamaluddin Jamali