The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) disqualified nine lawmakers, including Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz and National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub. The ECP issued official notifications declaring these members ineligible following convictions related to the May 9 incidents. The decision vacates their seats in the Senate, National Assembly, and Punjab Assembly.
Among those disqualified are one senator, five National Assembly members, and three Punjab Assembly members. Besides Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub, the list includes Hamid Raza, Rai Haider, Rai Hassan, Rai Murtaza, Zartaj Gul, Ansar Iqbal, and Junaid Afzal. All were convicted in terrorism-related cases connected to protests on May 9, 2023.
The May 9 events followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan outside Islamabad High Court, sparking nationwide protests. Demonstrators attacked government and private properties, including the burning of the Muslim League-N office in Lahore’s Model Town. The protests resulted in at least eight deaths and nearly 300 injuries.
Security forces arrested over 1,900 people linked to the unrest, and legal cases were filed against numerous PTI leaders and workers. Recently, anti-terrorism courts handed down up to ten-year jail sentences to many, including key political figures.
The Election Commission’s ruling means these lawmakers must vacate their assembly and senate seats, marking a significant development in Pakistan’s political landscape amid ongoing legal and political battles.