Pakistan sentences 108 members of former PM Imran Khan's party over 2023 protests

Pakistan has sentenced 108 members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party to prison for their role in nationwide protests against the military in May 2023.

The verdicts, delivered on Thursday, include a 10-year prison sentence for Omar Ayub Khan, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the official opposition leader. 

Although Omar Ayub was not among those who participated in the protests, he was found guilty by Pakistan’s anti-terrorism court of aiding violence and plotting to incite riots and arson, according to media reports. 

In addition, six PTI lawmakers have been disqualified from parliament, further weakening the party's political presence.

Opposition figures have slammed the verdict as "a dark moment" for the country's democracy.

Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of PTI, condemned the latest convictions, describing the cases against Omar Ayub and others as "baseless."

He noted that the verdicts were handed down just days before planned rallies marking the third anniversary of Khan's convictions.

PTI condemned the verdicts in a statement posted on X, saying: "The leaders of the opposition in both houses (of parliament) were punished solely on the basis that they were loyal allies of Imran Khan's political narrative, public representation and constitutional struggle."

The party added that it would challenge the court's decision.

The 9 May 2023 protests erupted after Khan's arrest during his court appearance in the Islamabad High Court.

Demonstrations turned violent when Khan's supporters "were accused of participating in attacks on military officers, government buildings and vehicles during the 2023 riots," defence lawyer Changaiz Kakar said.

At least 10 people were killed during the unrest, prompting a nationwide crackdown on PTI.

Since then, Khan has remained in prison, detained since August 2023, and continues to face more than 150 legal cases, including allegations of terrorism and leaking state secrets. 

He and his supporters insist the charges are politically motivated, aimed at dismantling his party's influence.

Despite being barred from contesting the 2024 general election, PTI-affiliated candidates, running as independents, won the most seats in Pakistan's national assembly.