Pakistan Seizes Properties of 120 PTI Supporters

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Anti-terrorism courts in Punjab have ordered the forfeiture of properties belonging to 120 individuals affiliated with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) following convictions linked to the May 9, 2023 riots. This represents a significant escalation in the state’s punitive measures for violence connected to the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Sargodha recently imposed a life sentence on PTI worker Ismael Khan. The court ordered the forfeiture of all his assets under Section 7(2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. He is the third convict in May 9 cases to face complete asset confiscation under this provision. Courts have now ordered the seizure of assets belonging to 120 PTI leaders and supporters.

Earlier, a court in Faisalabad had ordered the confiscation of properties of 90 individuals, while the Sargodha court ordered the forfeiture of assets of 29 more. These individuals were found guilty of participating in riots and vandalism that broke out after the arrest of Imran Khan in May 2023.

The unrest included attacks on government and military installations such as the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore and other sensitive facilities. Law enforcement authorities registered hundreds of cases against PTI supporters, with thousands arrested during the nationwide crackdown.

In the Sargodha case, 53 individuals were named as accused, including prominent political figures such as National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and Punjab Assembly member Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar. Court documents stated that Omar Ayub and Ziaul Haq initially absconded during proceedings, while another 50 accused fled during final arguments. Their cases were separated, and proclamations were issued.

The court observed that the absences appeared to be deliberate efforts to delay legal proceedings. These actions may affect sentencing and property-related rulings in pending cases.

Legal experts say the rulings represent a strong application of anti-terrorism laws in politically sensitive cases. Section 7(2) of the Anti-Terrorism Act allows for full property confiscation when sentences exceed ten years or involve offenses categorized as terrorism.

Authorities continue to pursue absconding suspects. The courts’ handling of these cases is expected to shape future legal action in response to politically motivated unrest. Meanwhile, PTI leaders have criticized the rulings, calling them politically driven and vowing to challenge the decisions through appeals.