Rawalpindi (HRNW): A significant development has been reported in the May 9 GHQ attack case, with an anti-terrorism court announcing its verdict after completing the separate trials of 47 proclaimed offenders.
Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Amjad Ali Shah sentenced all 47 accused to 10 years in prison each and also ordered the confiscation of their properties.
According to the court’s decision, the convicts were found involved in the conspiracy and planning of the May 9 incidents. The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had also identified the accused as having key roles in planning the events.
Prominent Political Figures Among the Accused
The accused include Omar Ayub, Zartaj Gul, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Murad Saeed, Zulfi Bukhari, Shahbaz Gill, Ali Amin Gandapur, Shandana Gulzar, Hammad Azhar and Azam Swati, among others.
Other names mentioned in the case include Ahmed Chattha, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Rai Murtaza, Shaukat Ali Bhatti, Usman Saeed Basra, Ejaz Khan Jazi, Shibli Faraz and Kanwal Shauzab.
According to the case record, a total of 118 accused were nominated in the case. Of these, 18 were declared proclaimed offenders during the trial, while 29 did not appear before any court after the registration of the case.
44 Prosecution Witnesses Recorded
During the separate trials of the proclaimed offenders, the prosecution recorded the statements of 19 witnesses. Overall, statements of 44 prosecution witnesses have so far been recorded in the case.
According to the verdict, the accused were found involved in attacks on the GHQ Gate, Hamza Camp and Army Museum, as well as allegations involving arson, vandalism and damage to important government buildings and sites.
Human Rights Angle
HRNW believes that those responsible for violent incidents must be dealt with according to law. At the same time, proceedings in such cases should ensure fair trial, effective legal representation, transparent examination of evidence and the right to appeal where provided by law.
Those convicted may have the right to challenge the verdict before the relevant higher court in accordance with applicable law.
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Disclaimer
This report is based on the court-related details and information provided. The allegations and sentences are matters addressed in the judicial proceedings. Convicted individuals may have the right to appeal against the verdict in accordance with applicable law.
