QUETTA, May 21: An anti-terrorism court in Quetta has sentenced Khalid Lango, a member of the executive committee of the National Party, to seven years’ imprisonment for deliberately evading court appearances.

Special Judge Najeebullah Khan had sentenced the accused under section 21-L of the Anti-Terrorism Act on May 17, but the copy of the court order was issued on Monday.

Police had registered a case against Mr Lango and others on August 29 for delivering provocative speeches after the funeral prayers for Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti in the Ayub stadium that caused riots and resulted in damage of public and private property.

The court order said that the arrest warrant of the accused had been issued on December 11, 2006, adding that Mr Lango had deliberately avoided court appearances and police had not been able to apprehend him.