LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday sentenced Gullu Butt — the infamous baton-wielding man caught vandalising property during violence in Model Town June 17 — to 11 years in prison.

The court also enforced a fine of Rs100,000 on Butt.

Butt's counsel said they will appeal the decision in the Lahore High Court (LHC), adding that his client did not commit an offence calling for such severe punishment.

Earlier on Monday, Butt had apologised to the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) chief Tahirul Qadri over his actions and later retracted his statements during a hearing in the court, claiming that he had never smashed any vehicles and that the police was lying about his involvement.

Butt was indicted by an ATC on Sept 19 for his violent exhibition outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat.

The car-smashing vandal was released from Camp Jail on Sept 26 after the Lahore High Court declared his detention illegal.

Speaking to reporters, Butt had claimed his innocence and accused the police of spreading false propaganda campaign against him. He had also claimed that the baton presented in court did not belong to him.

Butt's stance over the issue has not been consistent. In an exclusive interview with DawnNews, Butt had narrated his version of events, saying he was ashamed of his past and regretted his actions.

“I am apologising to the entire nation. I am neither a criminal nor a criminal’s offspring. I am willing to fall in Allama Qadri’s feet to ask for his forgiveness,” he had said. “Whatever I have done is in front of the media … I am ashamed of that, and ask the entire nation to forgive me.”

Explore: Gullu Butt apologises for actions, seeks forgiveness

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...