Qureshi Acquitted as PTI Leaders Get Jail Terms in May 9 Cases

Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s acquittal in the May 9 cases marks a significant twist in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) legal battles. The anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore cleared him of all charges in two separate cases, while several senior PTI leaders received long prison sentences. This verdict has stirred political discussions, highlighting the continuing fallout from the May 9 unrest.

Verdict Delivered in Kot Lakhpat Jail

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill announced the decision on Monday inside a makeshift courtroom at Kot Lakhpat Jail. The court had reserved its verdict late last week after hearing final arguments from both the prosecution and defense, setting August 11 as the decision date.

The ruling brought relief to Qureshi and a handful of other accused but sealed a grim fate for several high-profile PTI figures.

Sentences in Jinnah House Torching Case

In the Jinnah House vehicle torching case, the court handed 10-year prison sentences to Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, and former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema. Alongside them, Ayesha Ali Bhutta, Muhammad Fahim, Niaz Ahmed, Ali Hasan, Zain Ali, Asad Ali, Bilal Wajahat, Bilal Bashir, Muhammad Qasim, Zain ul Hassan, and Hafiz Muhammad Arshad received the same punishment.

Two others, Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed, were sentenced to five years each.

In contrast, Qureshi, Abrar, Amjad, Faisal, Jamil, Saadia, and Tasneem were acquitted in this case due to insufficient evidence.

Read: Mob sets trucks ablaze after Karachi road accident kills siblings

Acquittals in Shadman Police Station Case

In the Shadman Police Station torching case, 25 people faced charges. The court acquitted 12 of them, including Qureshi, Sohail Khan, Muhammad Owais, Rafiuddin, Farid Khan, Salman Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Faizan, Tayyab Sultan, Shahid Baig, Majid Ali, and Bakht.

Several suspects were declared absconders during the proceedings in both cases, and one accused died during the trial.

Absence of Bail-Granted Accused

None of the accused released on bail, including Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed, appeared in court for the verdict. The absence drew attention but did not affect the legal outcome.

May 9 Unrest: The Background

The May 9 unrest erupted in 2023 when thousands of PTI supporters took to the streets following the arrest of Imran Khan, Pakistan’s former prime minister, outside the Islamabad High Court in a corruption case.

Protests quickly turned violent, targeting both civil and military properties. The most prominent attack occurred at the Corps Commander House in Lahore. Other incidents included damage to military headquarters in Rawalpindi and various public installations.

Loss of Life and Property

The chaos resulted in loss of life, injuries, and significant property damage. Authorities labeled the incidents as acts of terrorism, launching a series of high-profile arrests against PTI leaders and workers.

Legal Proceedings Since May 9

Since the unrest, several PTI leaders have been arrested, released on bail, and rearrested on new charges. While some have managed to regain freedom, others remain in custody. The trials have been marked by frequent delays, security concerns, and contested evidence.

Qureshi, a former foreign minister, has been among the most closely watched defendants due to his political stature and proximity to Imran Khan. His acquittal is now being seen by analysts as a partial legal win for PTI amid ongoing political turbulence.

Impact on PTI’s Political Standing

The mixed verdict — acquittals for some, long prison terms for others — has left PTI with both relief and renewed challenges. Supporters view Qureshi’s release as proof that charges against party leaders are politically motivated, while critics argue that the convictions confirm the seriousness of the May 9 violence.

The ruling also affects PTI’s internal leadership dynamics. With senior leaders like Yasmin Rashid and Omar Cheema behind bars, the party faces a shortage of experienced figures to lead its campaigns and negotiations.

Continued Incarceration of Imran Khan

Imran Khan, PTI’s founder and former prime minister, has remained in prison since August 2023, facing multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism. His arrest on May 9 triggered the very protests that led to these convictions.

Despite legal setbacks, Khan’s popularity among supporters remains strong, and his speeches from prison are circulated widely. However, his absence from active politics, combined with the latest convictions, complicates PTI’s strategy for upcoming elections.

What Lies Ahead

The May 9 cases are far from over. Appeals are expected from both sides — those convicted will likely challenge their sentences, while prosecutors may contest the acquittals. Legal experts predict a prolonged battle that will keep the political climate tense in the months ahead.

For PTI, the verdicts represent both a symbolic victory and a severe blow. While Qureshi walks free, some of the party’s most influential leaders face years behind bars, making the road ahead turbulent and uncertain.