ATC judge observes strict punishment is essential to uphold rule of law and prevent similar incidents in future
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-May 30th, 2025) An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad on Friday convicted 11 individuals including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of the National Assembly Abdul Latif and former Member of the Provincial Assembly Wazir Zada Kalashi, in the May 9 attack on Ramna Police Station.
The convicted have been sentenced to a total of 15 years and four months in prison, along with monetary fines.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who found the PTI leaders and activists guilty of violent acts, including attacking a police station, arson, and attempted assault on law enforcement officials. The violence occurred during countrywide protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in May 2023.
Following announcement of verdict, four of accused—Muhammad Akram, Meera Khan, Shahzaib and Sohail Khan—were taken into custody from the courtroom. The court also issued arrest warrants for the remaining absentees.
The judgment held that the convicts attacked the Ramna Police Station, opened fire, pelted stones at officers and attempted to set the police station ablaze. They also torched motorcycles in a bid to create chaos. The prosecution presented 24 eyewitnesses, and the identification of suspects was conducted through a magistrate-supervised identification parade.
Judge Supra emphasized the gravity of the offense, holding that: “If police stations in the Federal capital are attacked, no place in the country will remain safe,”.
He stressed that strict punishment is essential to uphold the rule of law and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Court handed down following sentences:
5 years imprisonment and Rs. 50,000 fine for attempted murder of police officers.
4 years imprisonment and Rs. 40,000 fine for arson involving motorcycles.
4 years imprisonment and Rs. 40,000 fine for attempting to burn the police station.
3 months imprisonment for obstructing police duties.
1 month imprisonment for violating Section 144.
2 years imprisonment for forming an unlawful assembly to commit a crime.
10 years imprisonment and Rs. 200,000 fine under anti-terrorism provisions.
