An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has summoned Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and 264 others on May 24 for indictment proceedings in the Jinnah House attack case. The incident, which took place during the violent protests of May 9, 2023, remains one of the most high-profile cases against PTI leaders and supporters.
Judge Manzar Ali Gul presided over the hearing held inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where multiple cases related to May 9 were under review. During the session, the court distributed charge sheet copies among the accused, including Qureshi, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and other key PTI figures. One of the party leaders, Aliya Hamza, was granted a one-day exemption from personal appearance.
The court also heard a related arson case at Kalma Chowk, where cross-examination of a prosecution witness was completed. Defense lawyers Burhan Moazzam and Salman Shahid led the questioning. The judge then directed all 266 accused to appear in court on May 24 for the formal indictment process.
The May 9 protests erupted after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with protesters storming the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence, known as Jinnah House, and attacking government, military, and private properties. The unrest left at least 8 dead and 290 injured.
Earlier, in December 2023, military courts sentenced 25 convicts involved in the May 9 incidents to up to 10 years in prison. Another 60 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew Hassaan Niazi, were also handed long prison terms in separate verdicts later that month.
This case continues to highlight the legal fallout of the May 9 riots, as the state intensifies efforts to hold key PTI figures accountable for what officials describe as an assault on national institutions.