May 9 riots: Ex-PTI lawmakers say plan made at Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid's behest

• Politicians become approvers in May 9 riots case.
• ATC summons Khan, Sheikh Rashid on February 6.
• Lawmakers recorded statements of section 154.

RAWALPINDI: Former Punjab Assembly speaker Wasiq Qayyum Abbasi and former member of the National Assembly Sadaqat Ali Abbasi Saturday revealed that the planning of the May 9 riots was done at the behest of party founder Imran Khan, Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, sources told Geo News.

According to the politicians, who have become approvers in the case, Raja Basharat, Rashid Shafiq, Ejaz Khan and Rashid Hafeez were also part of leading the plans, the sources added.

The anti-terrorism court has, therefore, summoned Khan, Sheikh Rashid and Rashid Shafiq on February 6.

The May 9 riots were triggered almost across the country after the deposed prime minister's arrest in the £190 million settlement case. Hundreds of PTI workers and senior leaders were put behind bars for their involvement in violence and attacks on military installations.

During the protests, the miscreants targeted the civil and military installations including — Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military termed May 9 "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.

The aforementioned former PTI lawmakers including Umer Tanveer Butt have recorded statements of section 154 in the court, said the sources.

The sources have also added that Ajmal Sabir, the PTI-backed candidate for the NA-53 constituency, has also become an approver against Sheikh Rashid.

In his statement, Sabir said the AML chief summoned a meeting at Lal Haveli on May 6 where the May 9 events were planned.

The PTI-backed candidate is currently in police custody for involvement in May 9 cases.