Qureshi Acquitted, PTI Leaders Get 10 Years in May 9 Case

In a major ruling tied to the May 9 riots, the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday acquitted senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi but sentenced Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, and several others to 10 years in prison. The case stems from violent protests that broke out after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.

Riots After Khan’s Arrest

The violence erupted across the country shortly after Khan’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court. Protesters vandalized public property, stormed military installations, and even broke into the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence. The unrest lasted for more than 24 hours and marked one of the most intense periods of political violence in Pakistan’s recent history.

In response, the state launched a large-scale crackdown against PTI leadership and workers. Multiple FIRs were filed, and key figures in the party faced a series of legal battles in the aftermath of the chaos.

Sherpao Bridge Case and Sentencing

The case in question relates specifically to the vandalism and arson at Sherpao Bridge in Lahore’s Cantonment area. The Sarwar Road police had registered this FIR against PTI leaders and supporters for damaging public property during the protests.

Lead defence counsel Burhan Moazzam Malik confirmed that the court sentenced Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema, ex-minister Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and four others—Khalid Qayyum, Riyaz Hussain, Ali Hassan, and Afzal Azeem Pahat—to 10 years in jail.

Read: Kalat Operation Eliminates 4 More Terrorists

PTI’s Reaction to the Verdict

Soon after the ruling, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addressed the media, calling the verdict another addition to what he termed the “controversial legacy” of Pakistan’s judiciary. He welcomed Qureshi’s acquittal but criticized the convictions, saying the proceedings failed to meet legal standards.

“These sentences were handed out without following due process,” he said. “This will damage public trust in the judiciary.”

PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja echoed this sentiment, calling the verdict a blow to democratic values. He claimed the trial was built on an “edifice of lies” and said the ruling affects not just PTI but the entire nation.

“This is no longer about one party—it’s about the rule of law,” Raja said. “Our courts and institutions are under threat.”

Prosecution’s Argument

On the other hand, the prosecution argued the case was clear and the evidence was overwhelming. Deputy Prosecutor General Abdul Jabbar Dogar led the final arguments, which concluded just a day before the verdict.

Dogar alleged that the violence was planned ahead of time. He claimed PTI leaders met at Zaman Park on May 7 and agreed on their course of action if Imran Khan was arrested. According to him, the events of May 9 were not spontaneous but orchestrated.

He added that 61 witnesses had testified against the accused. Some reportedly attended the Zaman Park meeting and confirmed that violence had been pre-planned. The court, he said, had reviewed all documents, evidence, and testimonies before reaching its decision.

Government Stands by the Decision

Speaking to Geo News, Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik defended the verdict. He said the court followed all legal procedures and gave both sides a fair chance to present their cases.

“These leaders were using delaying tactics,” he claimed. “But the court based its judgment on solid evidence and in accordance with the Constitution.”

Broader Implications

The ruling has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s political landscape. It raises new questions about the future of PTI and its top leadership, many of whom are already facing multiple legal challenges. The strong sentences reflect the state’s determination to hold those responsible for the May 9 violence accountable.

But critics argue that such jail trials and swift rulings erode public faith in justice and deepen political polarization in the country. As PTI vows to appeal and mobilize support, the fallout from May 9 continues to reshape Pakistan’s legal and political narrative.