Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly condemned the recent convictions of senior party leaders in connection with the May 9 violence case, calling it a “dark day for democracy” and a clear sign of political victimisation.

Speaking to the media following the Anti-Terrorism Court’s verdict in Faisalabad, which handed 10-year sentences to several PTI figures, including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, and others, Gohar said these were democratic voices being silenced unjustly.

“Today is a sad day for democracy. Our leaders—many of them affiliated with the Sunni Ittehad Council—have been sentenced without fair justification,” he said. “These are people who have never defied the system but always worked to strengthen it.”

Gohar emphasised that PTI has consistently tried to play its role within the democratic structure and has sought peaceful political dialogue. “Despite our efforts to stay within the system, our leaders have been jailed without evidence. We’ve raised this with the Chief Justice. Justice must prevail,” he asserted.

The PTI chairman also reiterated the party’s commitment to stability and dialogue, recalling that the PTI founder made repeated calls for reconciliation—even after the alleged rigging of the general elections.

Gohar warned that public confidence in the justice system is rapidly eroding. “If this trend continues, the whole system may collapse. There are elements actively working to tear it down from the inside,” he cautioned. He confirmed that PTI will challenge the May 9 violence case verdicts in the high courts.

He further revealed that the party leadership is now reviewing its position in the current political framework. “We will soon announce our future course of action. The question is whether remaining part of this system still makes sense.”