Barrister Gohar Raises Alarm Over Potential Disqualification of 39 Parliamentarians in May 9 Cases

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Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), warned that 39 PTI-affiliated parliamentarians are at risk of disqualification due to legal proceedings connected to the May 9, 2023, protest cases. He stated that 25 Members of the Punjab Provincial Assembly (MPAs), 11 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), and three Senators have been named in various cases stemming from the unrest that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.

The May 9 incidents involved nationwide protests, some of which turned violent, including attacks on military and government installations. These actions were met with strong legal responses, with charges filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024. Gohar expressed concern that many of these cases are politically motivated and intended to weaken the opposition through what he described as “fabricated convictions.”

The federal government maintains that the prosecutions are based on evidence and legal merit. State Minister for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik has stated that PTI’s conduct during the protests warrants legal accountability and that any disqualifications would follow due process under existing laws.

The possible disqualification of 39 legislators could significantly alter the composition of parliament and reduce PTI’s influence in both national and provincial assemblies. PTI officials have called for transparent judicial proceedings, warning that politically charged convictions would damage public confidence in democratic institutions and judicial independence.

As the legal proceedings advance, the situation remains a critical test of Pakistan’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic norms. The outcome will likely shape political discourse in the lead-up to future elections and influence the public’s trust in institutional fairness.