May 9 Riots: Yasmin Rashid, Mehmoodur Rasheed, Umer Cheema Sentenced to 10 Years; Shah Mahmood Qureshi Acquitted

(Web Desk) — Lahore, Sargodha ATCs Sentence Senior PTI Leaders to 10 Years in May 9 Riots Cases; Qureshi Acquitted

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday sentenced eight senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to 10 years in prison each for their alleged role in the Sherpao Bridge arson and incitement case linked to the May 9, 2023 protests following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Those convicted include prominent PTI figures: Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema. Others sentenced were Khalid Qayyum, Riyaz Hussain, Ali Hassan, and Afzal Azeem Pahat.

Meanwhile, the court acquitted six individuals due to lack of evidence, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem.

The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Arshad Javed inside Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail under tight security, with all accused present during the proceedings. The case, registered at Sarwar Road Police Station, charged the accused with inciting violence, making inflammatory speeches, and damaging public property—offenses categorized under anti-terrorism laws.

The prosecution, led by Abdul Jabbar Dogar, presented testimonies from 61 witnesses during the trial. The court concluded the trial of 14 individuals, sentencing eight and acquitting six.

The ruling is part of a wider judicial effort following the Supreme Court’s directive to expedite all cases related to the May 9 riots within four months. Accordingly, the ATC conducted daily hearings to ensure timely judgment.

Separately, on the same day, an ATC in Sargodha sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar and 69 others to 10 years in prison in another May 9-related case. The verdict was announced in the absence of all accused.

Among those sentenced was PTI MPA Ahmad Chattha. In an earlier related development, 32 individuals—including Bhachar—had been granted exemption from appearance in a vandalism case in Mianwali.

These convictions mark a significant legal escalation in the government’s response to the nationwide unrest that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest last year.