An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi on Monday sentenced 20 individuals to six months of rigorous imprisonment and Rs 50,000 in the cases related to the May 9 incidents.
ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard the case, during which the prosecutor informed the court that the accused had orchestrated a coordinated attack on the Tarnol Railway Station in Islamabad following the arrest of the PTI founder, Imran Khan.
The attackers set fire to the station’s building, windows, doors, computers, and official records, causing extensive damage.
The prosecution stated that all 20 defendants had confessed to their crimes under Section 164 during the trial and had been out on bail for the past two years. In their testimonies, they admitted to being influenced by the PTI leadership, acknowledged acting under misguided beliefs, and expressed sincere remorse for their actions.
They appealed for leniency, explaining that they were poor laborers who regretted taking the law into their own hands. They also revealed that during the past two years, they received no financial or legal assistance from the PTI leadership, which left them feeling abandoned and remorseful.
Considering their pleas and expressions of regret, the court granted them reduced sentences. The convicts were ordered to be taken into custody immediately and transferred to Adiala Jail, with instructions given to the jail superintendent for prompt enforcement of the sentences.
