An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has acquitted PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in a May 9 riots case. However, the court sentenced Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years in jail. The case pertained to the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House during violent protests.
The riots erupted on May 9, 2023, after the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court. Protesters attacked and torched government buildings, stormed military sites, and vandalised public property across Pakistan. The Lahore corps commander’s residence was also ransacked during the violence, sparking a major crackdown by the state.
The Sarwar Road Police registered the case against PTI leaders for allegedly setting police vehicles on fire. The court today ruled after hearing arguments and reviewing evidence against multiple party leaders and activists. Qureshi was cleared of charges, while others were found guilty of participating in the violent acts.
PTI activist and fashion designer Khadija Shah was also sentenced to five years in prison in the same case. A total of 51 accused were named in the case, with 12 declared absconders. The trial of 39 accused has now concluded with today’s verdict.
Today’s ruling follows a pattern of mixed outcomes in May 9-related cases. Qureshi has been acquitted in several proceedings, while many senior PTI leaders face heavy jail terms. The verdict adds further complexity to the legal challenges confronting PTI after last year’s unrest.