Rawalpindi: Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) Rawalpindi has awarded rigorous imprisonment of 6 months and fine Rs 50000 each to 20 accused in May 9 riots cases on pleading guilty by them.

5 accused have been declared proclaimed offender for their persistent abscence and deliberate abscondment.

The accused Jahanzeb will be declared proclaimed offender on May 27 on completion of proceedings.

Judge Amjid Ali Shah of ATC heard the case Monday.

During hearing of the case prosecutor informed the court the accused attacked railway station Tarnol in the area of Islamabad under organized planning following the arrest of PTI founder.

According to prosecutor the accused set ablaze building, windows, doors, computers and official record of railway station and resorted to ransacking .

The court was told that all the accused had pleaded their guilty during trial under section 164 and they were on bail since two years.

The 20 accused pleaded guilty in reply to 6 questions from court

during trial.

While recording confessional statments in the court the accused said they are pleading guilty on their will. There is no pressure on them nor are they giving statement under inducement.

The accused took the plea in their confessional statements they attacked Tarnol railway station on being incited by national and local PTI leadership and resorted to ransacking. They are ashamed of their act.

They cannot face trial for long period because party has neither provided any financial or legal assistance to them during two years.

They said they leave them on the mercy of court, therefore court should award them least punishment.

The court while softening the sentence on the plea of the accused awarded 6 months rigorous imprisonment and Fine Rs 50000 each.

The ATC while taking the accused into custody immediately issued order to shift them to Adiala jail.

Jail superintendent has been directed to implement sentence.

Police station Railway had registered case against them under anti terrorism act and railway act on May 10, 2023