In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday handed down 10-year prison sentences to four senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders: Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mahmood ur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry. Meanwhile, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted of all charges in the same case concerning the burning of police vehicles during the May 9, 2023 unrest.
ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul announced the reserved verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the accused are currently detained. The case involves 22 accused individuals, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry. It centers on the violent incidents that took place during the May 9 protests, when police vehicles were set ablaze amid widespread unrest.
Prior to the verdict, the prosecution presented statements from 37 witnesses, and the court reserved its decision after hearing the final arguments from defense lawyers. This ruling adds to the growing legal challenges confronting the PTI, founded by Imran Khan, as numerous party leaders have received prison sentences related to the May 9 riots. Several others, including the former prime minister himself, remain incarcerated on various charges.
Notably, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Ejaz Chaudhry had previously been convicted in other cases connected to the May 9 events. The unrest erupted after thousands of Imran Khan’s supporters stormed public and military properties, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore, protesting the former premier’s arrest. Khan was detained at the Islamabad High Court premises in a graft case, sparking the violent demonstrations.
During the riots, protesters targeted multiple civil and military installations, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. While some PTI leaders and workers have been released on bail following their arrests, many continue to be held in custody.
