In a significant development following the tragic events of 9th May 2023, the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) has announced sentences for 25 individuals involved in the politically provoked violence and arson that shook Pakistan.
The incidents, which included attacks on military installations and the desecration of monuments dedicated to fallen soldiers, marked a dark chapter in the nation's history. These actions were part of a politically orchestrated campaign to impose violence and political terrorism.
On 13th December 2024, a seven-member Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed that all pending cases related to the 9th May tragedy be finalized, with judgments to be delivered on the individuals involved in the violent incidents. The FGCM has now issued sentences for the first batch of 25 accused, after a thorough investigation, collection of irrefutable evidence, and adherence to legal procedures.
Jan Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Imran Mehboob, Abdul Hadi, Ali Shan, Daud Khan (Shad Khan), and several others involved in the Jinnah House attack have been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Others connected to the attack, such as Faheem Haider, Muhammad Hashir Khan, and Muhammad Ashiq Khan, received sentences of 6 and 4 years respectively. Those involved in the GHQ attack, including Raja Muhammad Ehsan and Umar Farooq, were sentenced to 10 years each.
Rehmat Ullah, Anwar Khan, and Babar Jamal, who participated in the Punjab Regimental Centre Mardan and PAF Base Mianwali incidents, received 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, while others involved in these attacks, including Yasir Nawaz and Said Alam, were sentenced to 2 years.
Similarly, those involved in the Multan Cantt Check Post incident, including Khuram Shahzad and Zahid Khan, were sentenced to 3 and 4 years, respectively. The ISI Office Faisalabad attack saw Laeeq Ahmed receiving 2 years, while individuals involved in the Bannu Cantt and Chakdara Fort incidents, such as Muhammad Afaq Khan and Daud Khan (Ameer Zaib), received sentences ranging from 7 to 9 years.
The sentences come after detailed investigations and adherence to due process. The The remaining accused are still being tried, and their sentences will be announced once the legal process is completed.
According to ISPR, this is an important milestone in the dispensation of justice to the nation. It is also a stark reminder to all those who are exploited by the vested interests and fall prey to their political propaganda and intoxicating lies to never take law in their own hands ever in the future.
ISRP revealed that many accused are also being tried in various Anti Terrorist Courts and their cases are being pursued as per the law, however, justice would truly be fully served once the mastermind and planners of 9th May Tragedy are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land.
ISPR declared that the State of Pakistan will continue to vigorously pursue dispensation of justice to ensure establishment of inviolable writ of the state so as to uproot this evil of violence-driven disruptive and destructive politics based on hate, divisiveness and baseless propaganda.
The convicted individuals retain the right to appeal, as guaranteed by Pakistan's Constitution and laws, as per ISPR.
