The Pakistan Army announced on Thursday that 19 members of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) who were convicted by Field General Court Martial (FGCM) for their involvement in the May 9 riots had their sentences reduced, while 48 other cases are still under appeal.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) revealed that the decision came after mercy petitions were submitted by 67 of the 85 convicted individuals. Of these, 19 petitions were accepted “on humanitarian grounds” while 48 others are pending with the courts. The ISPR confirmed that the remaining petitions would be addressed in due course, following legal procedures.
The May 9 riots took place after PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest, leading to attacks on military installations and widespread arrests. Out of 105 cases referred for military trials, 85 individuals were convicted, with sentences ranging from two to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. Earlier, 20 individuals with shorter sentences were released in April.
This latest remission applies to those sentenced to two years in prison, and most of the individuals released had already spent 19 months in custody. However, five individuals, including some high-profile PTI figures, were excluded from this remission.
Seven PTI activists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were released from Peshawar Central Prison after being convicted for attacking military installations. These individuals, who were welcomed by party members, were released after serving part of their sentences. Among the released, one individual, Samiullah Wazir, required a wheelchair due to health issues.
The ISPR highlighted the fairness of the process, explaining that the remission shows a commitment to due process while considering compassion and mercy. The individuals whose sentences were reduced retain the right to appeal, as per the law.
Retired Colonel Inamur Raheem, a military law expert, clarified that mercy petitions can be filed at any time, even after an appeal. The Supreme Court, in its ruling on appeals, had allowed the remission of sentences for eligible convicts, which appears to align with this recent decision.
This move comes after international criticism of the fairness of the initial FGCM trials, with concerns raised by the European Union, the UK, and the US about their transparency and alignment with democratic principles.
