A total of 20 individuals, who had been apprehended for their alleged involvement in damaging state and military properties subsequent to the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9 and 10, have been discharged from the custody of the Pakistan Army.
As per a report, the Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) has informed the Supreme Court (SC) about the release of the individuals involved in the May 9 incidents through a written order.
These individuals, comprising eight from Rawalpindi, five from Gujranwala, three from Lahore, three from Dir, and one from Mardan, had been sentenced to one year of hard labor imprisonment.
The report highlights that these individuals, who were held in Pakistan Army's custody, were set free on April 6 and 7.
Notably, none of the convicts had served their full sentence, and their release was authorized by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir ahead of Eidul Fitr 2024.
May 9 witnessed widespread violence throughout Pakistan following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan in 2023. Protests erupted in both rural and urban areas as party supporters expressed agitation over their leader's detention, prompting Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad to deploy armed forces to maintain law and order.
During these protests by PTI workers, there were incidents of violence targeting army installations, notably the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore.
It's important to note that Imran Khan, the PTI founder, is listed as the main accused in all cases related to the May 9 riots.
