An anti-terrorism court in Lahore recorded the statements of four witnesses in ten cases related to the May 9 riots. Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr. Yasmin Rashid are among the main accused in these cases. The court held the jail trial at Kot Lakhpat Jail under tight security.
The hearing was conducted inside the jail premises due to security concerns. Two ATC judges presided over the session. Defence lawyers, including Burhan Muazzam and Rana Mudsar Umar, were present to represent the accused. After recording the statements, lawyers cross-examined the witnesses in detail.
The prosecution is expected to bring more witnesses to strengthen its case. The court has summoned additional witnesses and adjourned the hearing until June 19. The cases include multiple incidents of arson near Shadman police station and outside Rahat Bakery on the day of the riots.
The violence broke out after Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9, 2023. In reaction, PTI supporters held countrywide protests. In Lahore, several key locations were targeted, including PML-N’s office and military installations. Government and private properties suffered heavy damage.
Protesters stormed Jinnah House (Lahore Corps Commander’s residence) and broke a gate at Rawalpindi’s General Headquarters. The violent events left at least eight dead and nearly 300 injured. Law enforcement arrested more than 1,900 suspects. Dozens of cases were filed against PTI leaders and supporters involved in the unrest.