An Anti-Terrorism Court has delivered a major ruling in the May 9 case, acquitting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi while sentencing several senior PTI leaders to 10 years in prison. The verdict was announced on Saturday during proceedings held at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
Among those convicted are Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Umar Sarfraz Cheema. The judgment was issued by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill following months of legal proceedings related to the case.
The May 9 case concerns allegations linked to the burning of police vehicles in Lahore’s Mughalpura area during nationwide protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. Authorities alleged that senior party figures played a role in organising and facilitating the demonstrations.
According to the prosecution, the unrest resulted in damage to public property and triggered a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters. The government subsequently launched multiple investigations and legal proceedings related to the events.
During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from 37 witnesses. Defence lawyers cross-examined all witnesses before both sides concluded their final arguments. The court later reserved its judgment before announcing the verdict.
Court records showed that a challan had been submitted against 22 accused individuals in the case. Saturday’s ruling addressed 15 accused, while two suspects had earlier been declared proclaimed offenders during the course of the proceedings.
The verdict marks a significant development in the ongoing legal fallout from the May 9 case, which remains one of the most consequential political and judicial matters in Pakistan. The ruling is expected to have a notable impact on the country’s political landscape and ongoing debates surrounding accountability and political stability.
