Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday sentenced four senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to 10 years in prison in connection with a case related to the May 9, 2023 unrest, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi of all charges.
According to Beyond Time News, the verdict was announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial was conducted amid heightened security arrangements.
Verdict Announced in Jail Trial
The court sentenced Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mahmood ur Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years imprisonment each. The case pertains to the burning of police vehicles during the violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was also named as an accused in the case, was acquitted of all charges.
The decision came after the court had reserved its verdict following final arguments from both prosecution and defence teams.
Case Built on Witness Statements and Evidence
During the trial, prosecutors presented statements from 37 witnesses. The case later proceeded to final arguments before judgment was reserved.
The prosecution had accused the leaders and others of involvement in attacks on public property and law enforcement vehicles during the unrest.
Defence lawyers, however, argued that the accused were being falsely implicated and challenged the credibility of evidence presented in court.
Part of Wider May 9 Legal Proceedings
The ruling adds to a series of verdicts arising from the May 9 cases, which have resulted in multiple convictions of senior PTI leaders over the past months.
Several of those convicted in earlier cases, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema and Ejaz Chaudhry, have already faced legal proceedings in separate trials linked to the same wave of unrest.
The latest judgment further deepens the legal challenges faced by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership, many of whom remain incarcerated or are facing ongoing trials.
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Background: May 9 Unrest
The May 9 events erupted in 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case from the Islamabad High Court premises.
Protests quickly spread across multiple cities, where supporters targeted government and military installations, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
The incidents triggered a sweeping crackdown, with numerous arrests of PTI leaders and workers, many of whom have since faced trial under anti-terrorism laws.
Legal and Political Implications
The latest verdict is expected to intensify political tensions in Pakistan, where PTI continues to face legal and organisational pressure.
Legal observers note that multiple parallel trials related to the May 9 incidents are still ongoing, with further verdicts expected in the coming months.
Conclusion
Saturday’s ruling marks another major development in the ongoing legal proceedings linked to the May 9 unrest, reinforcing the continued judicial action against senior PTI leadership while simultaneously clearing Shah Mahmood Qureshi in this particular case.
FAQs
What did the ATC decide in the May 9 case?
The court sentenced four PTI leaders to 10 years imprisonment and acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Who was convicted in the case?
Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mahmood ur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry were sentenced.
What was the case about?
It related to the burning of police vehicles during the May 9, 2023 protests.
Was Shah Mahmood Qureshi convicted?
No, he was acquitted of all charges.
Why are the May 9 cases significant?
They involve widespread protests and attacks on state and military installations following Imran Khan’s arrest.
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