Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court Acquits Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Sentences Senior PTI Leaders Over May 9 Violence
Imran
Lahore – The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has announced its verdict in two major cases related to the violent events of May 9, 2023. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted, while several senior party leaders received lengthy prison sentences.
Court Verdict
Presiding Judge Manzar Ali Gul delivered the judgment during proceedings held at Kot Lakhpat Jail. The cases pertained to the torching of vehicles outside Rahat Bakery and the arson attack on Shadman Police Station.
- Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in both cases.
- Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Umar Sarfraz Cheema were sentenced to 10 years in prison each.
- Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed received 5-year prison terms for their role in the Shadman incident. Additional Rulings
On July 22, the same court sentenced Rashid, Rasheed, Chaudhry, and Cheema to 10 years in the Sherpao Bridge arson case, while Qureshi and six others were acquitted.
That same day, the ATC in Sargodha sentenced:
- Malik Ahmad Khan Bachar (Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader), Ahmed Chattha (Member of National Assembly), and Bilal Ejaz (former MNA) along with 32 PTI leaders and workers to 10 years in prison for violent protests in Mianwali.
Background
The May 9 unrest erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. Nationwide protests led to:
- An attack on Jinnah House (Corps Commander’s residence) in Lahore
- Breach of the GHQ gate in Rawalpindi
- Widespread damage to public and private property
At least 8 people were killed, 290 injured, and over 1,900 individuals arrested. Multiple cases were filed against PTI leaders andsupporters for their alleged involvement in the violence.
