Court releases Afzal Pahat in riots case, denies relief to Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed
May 9 demonstration. Photo: AGENCE ANADOLU
LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Tuesday delivered a split verdict on appeals seeking suspension of sentences in the May 9 riot cases, suspending the sentence of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Afzal Azeem Pahat while rejecting similar pleas of Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed.
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Shahbaz Rizvi, heard appeals against the convictions passed by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, which had sentenced the accused to 10 years’ imprisonment in cases related to the May 9 unrest.
The court suspended Pahat’s sentence in a Sherpao Bridge rioting and arson case and ordered his release.
The court rejected four petitions filed by Chaudhry and one by Rasheed seeking suspension of their sentences in similar cases.
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During the proceedings, defense lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq argued that the ATC’s verdicts were contrary to the facts and that the convicts had already spent more than two and a half years in prison, asking for the sentences to be suspended until the final decision in the main appeals.
The special prosecutor opposed these arguments, saying the May 9 incidents were part of a premeditated plot to destabilize the country.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved judgment and then announced the verdict.
