An Anti-Terrorism Court on Saturday acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the May 9 arson case. However, the court sentenced senior PTI leaders Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Umar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years in prison each. The verdict is significant for Pakistan’s political landscape and affects key opposition figures linked to the May 9 unrest.
ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill announced the verdict at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial was conducted. The case relates to the torching of police vehicles in Lahore’s Mughalpura area during nationwide protests. Those demonstrations erupted after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. Authorities alleged that senior PTI leaders helped organize protests that turned violent.
According to prosecutors, the accused played roles in facilitating demonstrations that led to property damage and public disorder. During the trial, the prosecution presented 37 witnesses, all of whom were cross-examined by defense lawyers. Following final arguments from both sides, the court reserved its decision before delivering the verdict. The case originally included 22 accused individuals.
The May 9 protests triggered one of Pakistan’s largest crackdowns on PTI leaders and workers. Demonstrators attacked government buildings, military sites, and public property in several cities. Consequently, authorities launched multiple criminal cases and detained hundreds of party supporters. The military later described the events as a “Black Day” and pursued legal action against several suspects.
Meanwhile, the verdict comes days after imprisoned PTI leaders proposed a “Charter of Pakistan” aimed at promoting political stability and constitutional supremacy. In a letter to opposition leaders, they argued that economic recovery requires political certainty and institutional balance. Their proposal followed the government’s call for a broader Charter of Economy to address national challenges.