LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Sardar Latif Khosa has alleged that the process of hearings of May 9 cases has been accelerated and the party leaders and workers are facing a campaign of “fascism” over the past three years.

Speaking at a press conference, along with MPA Imtiaz Sheikh and Advocate Intizar Panjotha here on Sunday, he asserted that the May 9 events were part of a conspiracy to overthrow the PTI government.

He recounted that the PTI founder was arrested in Islamabad on May 9 during a court appearance, and the arrest was later declared illegal by three Supreme Court judges.

“Fourteen cases have been registered against the [PTI] leadership in Lahore alone,” Khosa stated, adding, “The number of cases is increased wherever ‘they’ desire.”

He questioned the legality of multiple cases for the same offense, citing the Constitution, and alleged that courts have become subservient following the 26th Amendment.

He also raised concerns about the health of Dr Yasmin Rashid, stating she is being “tormented” despite her illness.

Khosa criticised the authorities for not bringing Senator Ejaz Chaudhry to the Senate for the last two years despite a production order issued by the chairman of the upper house of the bicameral parliament.

“A prime minister who won only 17 seats is in power, and one who won 180 is in jail,” he regretted.

He accused political parties of betraying the public by becoming part of a “fake system.”

He cited the example of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who was in Karachi but was implicated in May 9 cases.

Khosa appealed to the courts for swift hearings of their petitions, noting that only two witnesses have been presented in all cases registered in various towns of Punjab.

Adding to Khosa’s remarks, Panjotha stated that two prosecutions were initiated after May 9 and those who held press conferences (distancing themselves from the PTI) faced no action, while those who “stood firm” are facing trials. He also contested the legality of jail trials for such cases under the Constitution.

Despite these “injustices”, he hoped for justice from the courts, emphasising that innocent PTI workers are facing these cases.

Khosa concluded the presser by reiterating the PTI founder’s call for launching a movement on Aug 5.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2025