The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday acquitted four PTI workers previously sentenced for allegedly attacking the Ramna police station during the May 9, 2023 riots. The unrest broke out after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, leading to widespread protests, vandalism of state buildings, and attacks on military sites across the country.
Originally, an Anti-Terrorism Court had sentenced PTI MNA Abdul Latif and 11 other party workers on May 30. Four of them—Mira Khan, Muhammad Akram, Shahzeb, and Sohail Khan—were present in court and taken into custody after the verdict. They faced multiple charges under the Pakistan Penal Code and Anti-Terrorism Act, including attempted murder, arson, rioting, and obstructing public officials, with prison terms adding up to 10 years under Section 7 ATA, alongside fines.
During the appeal hearing, Justices Azam Khan and Khadim Soomro found the prosecution unable to prove the accused were present at the crime scene. PTI lawyer Babar Awan argued that only one out of nine witnesses could identify the accused and stressed no injuries occurred despite claims of gunfire.
The bench questioned the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence and noted that witness statements didn’t confirm the accused’s presence during the incident. Prosecutor Nasir Shah admitted evidence had been collected but requested more time to present it, which the court rejected, saying adequate notice should have been given earlier.
The judges highlighted that convictions require clear proof, dismissing the notion of sentencing based on an identity parade alone.
