An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Friday handed down prison sentences to several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders in connection with the May 9 riots. The verdict marks a significant development in the legal proceedings related to last year’s nationwide unrest.
ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul sentenced Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and three other accused to 10 years of imprisonment each. The judgment was announced inside Kot Lakhpat Jail amid tight security arrangements.
1۔ نو مئی کے واقعات: ایک اور کیس میں پی ٹی آئی رہنماؤں یاسمین راشد، محمود الرشید اور اعجاز چوہدری کو 10، 10 سال قید کی سزا
2۔ شاہ محمود قریشی کو اس مقدمے میں بری کر دیا گیا
تفصیلات: https://t.co/Sa5n10ZUJs pic.twitter.com/UWDWLxMMaA— BBC News اردو (@BBCUrdu) December 19, 2025
In the same case, the court acquitted senior PTI leader and former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi along with 13 other accused. The acquittals were issued after the court found insufficient evidence to link them directly to the alleged offence.
Read More: ATC acquits Qureshi in May 9 cases; convicts Dr Yasmin and others
During the course of the trial, final statements of 21 accused, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, were recorded by the court. The prosecution produced a total of 56 witnesses to support its case.
The court also noted that four individuals named in the case were declared proclaimed offenders after repeatedly failing to appear before the court. Proceedings continued against the remaining accused who were either on bail or in custody.
The case was registered by the Race Course Police Station and relates to an attack on the GOR-1 gate at Club Chowk, Lahore, during the May 9 violence. According to the first information report (FIR), the accused vandalised security cameras, damaged police wireless equipment, and broke glass panels at the GOR gate.
The FIR further states that government property was damaged and police personnel were assaulted during the incident. Prosecutors alleged that the attack was carried out by a mob led by PTI leader Hammad Azhar.
Read More: Court extends Imran, wife’s pre-arrest bail in May 9 case
PTI leaders were accused of inciting party workers to engage in rebellion and violence following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. The May 9 unrest saw attacks on military and government installations across several cities.
The verdict is expected to have political and legal repercussions as multiple May 9-related cases continue to be heard in courts across the country.