The May 9 riots verdict delivered mixed outcomes for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders in Lahore. An anti-terrorism court acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. However, the court sentenced four senior PTI leaders to ten years in prison. The decision came after a tense trial process inside Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Meanwhile, ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced the ruling in a case linked to the GOR-I Club Chowk attack. The case was registered under FIR No 852/2023 by Race Course police. Authorities named twenty-five accused, including party leaders and workers. The court reviewed evidence related to violence and property damage.
READ MORE:PTI leaders jailed for 10 years over May 9 riots
In the same case, the court also sentenced four PTI workers to ten-year jail terms. At the same time, the judge acquitted twelve accused due to insufficient evidence. This became the fifth case in Lahore where courts cleared Shah Mahmood Qureshi. In contrast, other senior PTI leaders remained convicted.
Earlier, courts announced verdicts in multiple cases tied to the May 9 unrest. These cases involved attacks on police stations and public property. The violence erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court. Protests later spread nationwide and caused widespread damage.
READ MORE:Dr Yasmin, other PTI leaders handed 10-year jail term, Qureshi acquitted
Separately, jailed PTI leaders issued a joint letter urging dialogue to resolve national crises. They said talks were the only peaceful and constitutional solution. The leaders called for unity amid political and economic instability. They added that the May 9 riots verdict should open space for reconciliation.