82 PTI Supporters Sentenced as ATC Cracks Down on November Protesters

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Friday sentenced 82 supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to four months in prison for their involvement in the party’s protests held on November 24 and 26, 2024.

The convictions were handed down after the individuals confessed to their participation in the demonstrations. Along with prison terms, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on each convict. ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah delivered the verdict during proceedings that addressed 24 different cases tied to the protest events.

In a broader move, the court rejected a total of 1,074 bail applications. These included dismissals for 1,049 individuals who failed to appear before the court and 25 others already facing trial. Prosecutor Zaheer Shah argued that the absentees were deliberately delaying proceedings, prompting the court to take strict action.

Following the dismissal of the bail pleas, the court ordered the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block the identity cards of the accused. Their bank accounts were also ordered frozen, and arrest warrants were issued against them.

During the hearing, the court also took notice of the conduct of PTI leader and National Assembly member Shandana Gulzar. Prosecutor Shah accused her of disrupting the judicial process under the guise of legal representation. As a result, the court issued her a contempt of court notice and scheduled further proceedings for the following week.

In anticipation of potential unrest, Judge Amjad Ali Shah directed law enforcement to strengthen security around the court. He also recommended the deployment of anti-riot units to maintain order during upcoming hearings.

Source: Web Desk