An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi has sentenced 124 arrested suspects involved in the November 26 protest cases to four months in prison after they confessed to their crimes.

Additionally, the court cancelled the bail of 1,074 absconding suspects and ordered the blocking of their national identity cards and freezing of their bank accounts. Security has been directed to be tightened for the upcoming hearings.

ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah heard 24 cases related to the November 26 protests. Police produced 124 arrested suspects in court, while 362 others appeared on bail.

During the proceedings, the accused pleaded for leniency, stating they were poor and had been incited by local leadership to join the protests. They assured the court they would not participate in any future demonstrations.

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The court sentenced 82 suspects who confessed to four months in prison, along with a fine of Rs15,000 each.

The court also cancelled the bail of 1,049 suspects who failed to appear, and dismissed post-arrest bail pleas of another 25 suspects. Orders were also issued to block the identity cards and freeze the bank accounts of the absentees.

A total of 1,609 suspects are nominated in the 24 cases related to the November 26 protest. The court has also issued a contempt notice against MNA Shandana Gulzar and adjourned the hearings until May 7, 8, and 9, with instructions to increase security for the upcoming sessions.

May 9 cases: ATC grants 6-day physical remand of PTI activist Sanam Javed