ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday formally disqualified Punjab Assembly’s Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Mohammad Ahmad Chattha from holding public office, following their convictions in connection with the May 9 riots that erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The ECP issued an official notification stating that both lawmakers were found guilty by an anti-terrorism court and sentenced to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in acts of vandalism, arson, and rioting.
In light of their convictions, the electoral body invoked Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution, which disqualifies individuals convicted of certain offenses from being elected or serving in the legislature.
According to the notification, Chattha, elected from NA-66 Wazirabad, and Bachar, MPA from PP-87 Mianwali-III, have ceased to be members of the National and Punjab Assemblies, respectively. Their status as returned candidates stands nullified with immediate effect.
The charges stem from a case registered in Mianwali linked to the violent demonstrations that broke out across Pakistan on May 9, 2023. The protests were sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case at the Islamabad High Court premises.
Demonstrations quickly escalated into riots, with widespread damage to public and military properties, including the attack on Lahore’s Corps Commander House, known as Jinnah House.
That day marked one of the most volatile moments in Pakistan’s recent political history. The military termed the attacks “intolerable,” and the state launched a large-scale crackdown against PTI leadership and supporters. Hundreds were arrested, including top PTI figures, with many still facing trials under anti-terrorism and sedition laws.
In a related development, the ECP also issued the disqualification notification for senior PTI leader and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry. He too was sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court in connection with the same incidents. The Commission ruled that Chaudhry no longer qualifies to remain a member of the Senate under the same constitutional clause.
Imran Khan, the central figure behind PTI’s mass movement, was ousted from power through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. He has since faced a barrage of legal troubles, including cases of corruption, terrorism, and violating state secrets. Khan has been imprisoned since August 2023 and remains behind bars as trials in multiple cases continue.
The ECP’s decision to disqualify the convicted lawmakers is likely to trigger political tensions ahead of upcoming by-elections. PTI, once the ruling party, has been facing relentless legal, political, and administrative challenges ever since its ouster and the May 9 fallout.
The party has rejected the convictions as politically motivated, while government officials insist the law is being applied uniformly.
