Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has termed the clemency granted to 19 convicts of the May 9 protests as “not a major development”.
Key Points:
- 48 of 67 convicts filed appeals, but only 19 were pardoned.
- Military courts sentenced 85 individuals in two phases last month.
- PTI opposes the trial of civilians in military courts.
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Gohar emphasized that the pardons were granted on humanitarian grounds, with remaining appeals to be addressed following legal procedures.
Background:
The May 9, 2023, protests erupted after the PTI founder’s arrest and led to attacks on public and military installations, including GHQ and Lahore Corps Commander House.
Military courts had initially sentenced 25 individuals, followed by 60 others, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassan Niazi, who received a 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence.
Recent Developments:
Gohar stressed the importance of dialogue between the government and opposition for national interest. During the second round of negotiations held in the Parliament House, PTI’s team highlighted the release of political prisoners and the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the May 9 events as their key demands.
