Anti-Terrorism Court orders confiscation of both movable and immovable properties of the convicts
RAWALPINDI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-March 7th, 2026) In a landmark verdict in the May 9 GHQ attack case, the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has sentenced 47 absconding accused to 10 years imprisonment each along with a fine of PKR 500,000 per person.
The court also ordered the confiscation of both movable and immovable properties of the convicts.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah announced the verdict.
Among the sentenced individuals are notable figures including Umar Ayub Khan, Zartaj Gul, Murad Saeed, Shibli Faraz, Ahmed Azhar, Shahbaz Gill, Zulfi Bukhari, Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Rai Muhammad Murtaza, Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Usman Saeed Basra, and Ijaz Khan Jazi. Others include Kanwal Shozab, Hammad Azhar, and Sheikh Rashid Shafiq.
According to the court, all 47 accused were declared fugitives and were each ordered to serve 10 years in prison and pay a fine of PKR 500,000 under the law. The verdict further stated that failure to pay the fine would result in additional imprisonment, and their properties would be seized.
The judgment noted that the convicts were found involved in the conspiracy behind the May 9 incidents. According to the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report, the accused had planned violent protests and played a central role in orchestrating the events of May 9.
The court found the convicts involved in attacks on the GHQ gate, Hamza Camp, Army Museum, and Sixth Road Metro Station. They were also charged with arson, vandalism, assaults on police, and damage to public property.
The court highlighted that a total of 118 accused, including PTI founder and Shah Mahmood Qureshi, were initially charged in the case in December 2024. Statements of 44 prosecution witnesses have been recorded so far. Out of the 118 accused, 18 remained consistently absent during the trial, while 29 never appeared in court after the case was registered.
Under Section 21L of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the court conducted a separate trial for the 47 absconding accused. The prosecution filed an application under Section 19/10 on January 6 this year for action against the fugitives, following which the court formed an inquiry.
The inquiry declared the 47 accused as deliberately absconding. Based on the inquiry report, the court published their Names in a newspaper advertisement on January 8. The accused were given seven days to surrender, but none appeared in court despite judicial orders and the advertisement.
Subsequently, the court appointed a state counsel for the absconding accused and framed charges. During the trial, 19 witnesses testified, and the state counsel cross-examined them.
After the completion of the trial, the court handed down the verdict, sentencing all 47 accused to 10 years imprisonment each, imposing fines of PKR 500,000 per person, and ordering the confiscation of their properties.
The case of the May 9 GHQ attack was registered at the R.A. Bazaar Police Station.
