An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday acquitted PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the May 9 Mughalpura police vehicles arson case, while sentencing four senior PTI leaders to 10 years imprisonment each. ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill announced the reserved verdict at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial was conducted under heightened security arrangements.
Case Background and Verdict
The case relates to violent incidents that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. According to the prosecution, police vehicles were set on fire in Lahore's Mughalpura area during the unrest. Lahore Police had submitted a challan against 22 accused, including some top PTI leaders. During the trial, the prosecution produced 37 witnesses, all of whom were cross-examined by the defense before the court completed proceedings and reserved its verdict.
In its decision, the court acquitted Qureshi, finding insufficient grounds to convict him. However, the court convicted Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhary, and Omar Cheema, sentencing each to 10 years in prison. The court announced its verdict regarding 15 accused in the case. Two suspects, Arbaz Zaman and Ilahi Bakhsh, had earlier been declared proclaimed offenders and were not among those whose cases were decided on Saturday.
May 9 Violence Aftermath
The May 9 violence followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan and resulted in multiple cases being registered across Pakistan over attacks on military installations, government buildings, and public property. The Mughalpura case was one of several legal proceedings against PTI leaders related to the unrest.
