An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has sentenced former Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid to 34 years in prison over a speech against state institutions. The court also imposed a fine of PKR 600,000. The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Rahmat Shah.
Khurshid was convicted under charges stemming from a speech he delivered on May 26, 2024, at a protest rally, where he reportedly made threatening remarks against security institutions, the Election Commission, and federal agencies.
Background
Khalid Khurshid was previously disqualified on July 1, 2023, in a fake degree case. The court had declared his law license invalid, alleging that he obtained it fraudulently from the Gilgit Bar Council.
Despite his disqualification, Khurshid remained active in political rallies and demonstrations, particularly those organized by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). It was during one such event in May 2024 that he delivered the controversial speech, leading to his conviction.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and political controversies surrounding the former chief minister.
