Pakistani Court Sentences PTI Members Amid Uprisings

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced eight senior members of ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to 10 years in prison for inciting riots that targeted military establishments following Khan's 2023 arrest. The decision was announced late Tuesday, with the defendants planning to appeal, according to their lawyer.

These prosecutions are part of a broader legal crackdown on Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, with Khan facing trial on similar charges separately. The government accuses party leaders, including Khan, of inciting protests on May 9, 2023, which resulted in attacks on military and government installations. Witnesses for Khan's case are still being presented, and Tuesday's verdict does not directly affect his trial.

Senior PTI figures sentenced include ex-provincial health minister Yasmin Rashid, senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and others. The court acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi. The government alleges that the May unrest caused extensive damage and numerous arrests.

(With inputs from agencies.)