• Over 100 members of Imran Khan's party sentenced for their involvement in 2023 riots.
• 58 defendants received 10-year sentences, including key party leaders.
• The party plans to challenge the court's ruling and seeks renewed protests.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court has sentenced more than 100 members of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), to prison for their roles in riots that targeted military sites in May 2023. Among those convicted, 58 were sentenced to 10 years in prison, while others received sentences of one to three years. Notable individuals in the accused include Omar Ayub Khan and Shibli Faraz, leaders within the PTI, as revealed by a court order reported by Reuters and India Times.

The verdict, considered the third mass conviction within a month, reflects the government's ongoing actions against Khan's supporters, who it accuses of inciting violent protests following Khan's arrest. These protests, which saw demonstrators attacking military and government facilities, have led to significant casualties and a robust crackdown on the PTI party. Critics claim the sentences are politically motivated and aim to dismantle the opposition among lawmakers, with Reuters, India Times, and BBC reporting similar sentiments from opponents of the convictions.

The PTI has announced intentions to challenge the court's ruling and plans nationwide protests beginning August 5, coinciding with the second anniversary of Khan's imprisonment. This recent ruling has further escalated political tensions in Pakistan, as key party members now risk disqualification from parliamentary seats, which according to laws can critically weaken the party's influence. Authorities continue to face criticism for these judicial actions, viewed by many as undermining democratic processes, as articulated by the PTI in statements reported by BBC and Reuters.