Former Punjab Assembly speaker Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and ex-National Assembly member Sadaqat Ali Abbasi have reportedly disclosed that the orchestration of the May 9 riots was carried out at the direction of Imran Khan, founder of the Awami Muslim League (AML), along with AML chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq.
The politicians, now turned approvers in the case, allege that Raja Basharat, Rashid Shafiq, Ejaz Khan, and Rashid Hafeez were also key figures in planning the events, sources added.
As a result, an anti-terrorism court has summoned Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid, and Rashid Shafiq on February 6.
The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of the ousted prime minister in the £190 million settlement case. Numerous PTI workers and senior leaders were arrested for their involvement in violent activities and attacks on military installations.
During the protests, troublemakers targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military dubbed May 9 as the “Black Day” and opted to try the protesters under the Army Act.
Former PTI lawmakers, including Umer Tanveer Butt, have reportedly provided statements under section 154 in court, according to the sources.
Additionally, Ajmal Sabir, the PTI-backed candidate for the NA-53 constituency, has also turned approver against Sheikh Rashid. Sabir claimed that the AML chief convened a meeting at Lal Haveli on May 6 where the May 9 events were plotted.
Currently, Sabir is in police custody due to his alleged involvement in the May 9 cases.
