Lahore : An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has sentenced four senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to 10 years in prison in connection with the violent riots that erupted on May 9, 2023. The convicted individuals include Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry, along with three other accused.
The court’s ruling, delivered by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul, took place at Kot Lakhpat Jail. In a contrasting decision, former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, along with 13 other accused, was acquitted.
The case stems from the May 9, 2023, unrest, when PTI supporters launched violent protests in response to the arrest of their leader, Imran Khan. The protests saw the storming of key public and military installations, including the GOR-1 gate in Lahore. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused damaged security cameras, destroyed police wireless equipment, shattered glass panels, and assaulted police officers. PTI leader Hammad Azhar was accused of leading the assault.
The prosecution presented 56 witnesses during the trial, and final statements were recorded from 21 of the defendants, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid. Four of the accused were declared proclaimed offenders at various points in the proceedings.
This conviction adds to the growing legal challenges facing PTI and its leadership. Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry have now been convicted for the fifth time in relation to the May 9 events. This marks another chapter in the ongoing legal troubles of PTI, which has seen many of its senior members incarcerated or convicted over their roles in the riots.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a senior PTI leader and former foreign minister, was acquitted of all charges in the case. His acquittal comes as a significant development, as he continues to hold influence within PTI.
The verdicts also add to the list of legal troubles for PTI lawmakers. Recently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified several PTI members, including prominent figures like Senator Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub Khan, following their convictions in connection with the May 9 violence.
Earlier this month, a special ATC in Faisalabad also sentenced PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Z
