Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has responded strongly to the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court’s verdict regarding the May 9 incidents, announcing plans to challenge the decision in higher courts.
PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram stated that the verdicts from the Anti-Terrorism Court concerning the May 9 violent events are an affront to justice and the rule of law. He criticised the judgments as being driven by political vendetta, disregarding legal standards and the principles of a fair trial. He emphasised that the trials lacked transparency and that the accused were not afforded a proper opportunity to defend themselves.
According to Sheikh Waqas Akram, the trials were conducted in closed sessions late at night, which undermined the legal requirement for public and media oversight. He claimed that the verdicts were based on unreliable evidence and testimonies, constituting a clear violation of justice principles as part of a premeditated agenda.
He further asserted that accusing peaceful and law-abiding leaders of the country’s largest political party of terrorism is not only a mockery of the constitution but also a distortion of the justice system. He noted that the sequential delivery of these decisions reveals an intent to pressure PTI and intimidate its leadership and supporters.
Sheikh Waqas Akram made it clear that PTI will challenge all these decisions in the High Courts and the Supreme Court, committing to a legal battle for justice to the fullest extent. He urged that the spirit of justice be restored and all politically motivated cases be dismissed.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the party’s support for its innocent leaders and workers, stating that all legal and democratic avenues will be pursued to achieve justice. PTI completely rejects these decisions and reiterates its commitment to continue its political, public, and legal struggle.
