Court of Appeals Accepts Mercy Pleas of 19 May 9 Riots Convicts

A Court of Appeals has accepted the mercy petitions of 19 people convicted of involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Thursday.

Last month, military courts announced sentences for 85 civilians convicted of involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots. The sentences were announced in two phases, with the military’s media wing initially announcing the sentences of 25 civilians and subsequently 60 others. The sentences of the convicts have ranged from two to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

“Sequel to the promulgation of punishments to 9th May Tragedy convicts, they have exercised their right to appeal and have asked for mercy/remission in their punishments,” read the statement issued by the ISPR. “A total of 67 convicts have given their mercy petitions,” it said, adding 48 of these pleas were processed to Courts of Appeal. Of these, it said, the petitions of 19 convicts were accepted “purely on humanitarian grounds, under the law.”

The mercy petitions of the remainder, read the statement, “will be decided in due course of time, following the legal process.” On the release of the pardoned convicts, the ISPR said it would happen after the completion of procedural formalities.

“All those convicted retain the right of appeal and other legal remedies as per the law and the Constitution,” it said. “The remission of punishments is a testament to the strength of due process and fairness, which ensures that justice is served while also taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” it added.

Earlier, in April 2024, Army chief Gen. Asim Munir had similarly pardoned 20 people convicted over the May 9 riots on humanitarian grounds. They had served a majority of their sentences.

Pardoned Convicts

The 19 convicts whose mercy pleas were accepted are as follows:

1. Muhammad Ayaz, son of Sahibzada Khan, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on Main Gate FC Cantt, Peshawar.
2. Samiullah, son of Meer Dad Khan, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on Bannu Cantt.
3. Laeeq Ahmed, son of Manzoor Ahmed, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the ISI Office, Faisalabad.
4. Amjad Ali, son of Manzoor Ahmed, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the ISI Office, Faisalabad.
5. Yasir Nawaz, son of Ameer Nawaz Khan, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Punjab Regimental Center, Mardan.
6. Said Alam, son of Maazullah Khan, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Punjab Regimental Center, Mardan.
7. Zahid Khan, son of Muhammad Nabi, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Punjab Regimental Center, Mardan.
8. Muhammad Suleman, son of Said Ghani Jan, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Dir Scouts Headquarters, Timergara.
9. Hamza Sharif, son of Muhammad Azam, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the ISI Office, Faisalabad.
10. Muhammad Salman, son of Zahid Nisar, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the ISI Office, Faisalabad.
11. Asher Butt, son of Muhammad Arshad Butt, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
12. Muhammad Waqas, son of Malik Muhammad Khalil, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
13. Sufayan Idrees, son of Idrees Ahmed, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
14. Muneeb Ahmed, son of Naveed Ahmed Butt, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
15. Muhammad Ahmed, son of Muhammad Nazir, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
16. Muhammad Nawaz, son of Abdul Samad, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Rahwali Gate, Gujranwala.
17. Muhammad Ali, son of Muhammad Boota, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the ISI Office, Faisalabad.
18. Muhammad Bilawal, son of Manzoor Hussain, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Lahore Corps Commander’s House.
19. Muhammad Ilyas, son of Muhammad Fazal Haleem, who was sentenced to two years’ rigorous imprisonment for involvement in the attack on the Dir Scouts Headquarters, Timergara.

May 9 Riots

The May 9, 2023 riots pertain to protests triggered by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a graft case. The riots spanned three days, ending with the release of Khan. Subsequently, the state launched a crackdown against the PTI, arresting thousands of the party’s workers. Over 100 civilians faced military trials for their role in the riots.

In March 2024, the Supreme Court had conditionally allowed military courts to announce reserved verdicts in cases involving 20 civilians who were acquitted or given lesser sentences that could be granted relief by the Army chief. This left 85 pending rulings, which the apex court conditionally allowed military courts to announce sentences for in December 2024.

The PTI maintains that the May 9, 2023 riots were a “false flag” operation against it. It has called for a judicial probe into the events to affix responsibility on those responsible. Several PTI leaders are currently facing trials in civilian courts for their alleged role in the events.