Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court Issues Detailed Verdict in 9 May Shire Paw Bridge Riots Case

The **Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC)** in Lahore has released a detailed **42-page verdict** in the **9 May Shire Paw Bridge riot case**, where several prominent **Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)** leaders were implicated in violent protests. The court’s verdict includes crucial developments regarding the involvement of key political figures.

According to the decision, all suspects were found to be involved in the **violent incidents** that took place on **9 May**, but **investigating officers** failed to present substantial evidence against **PTI leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi** and five other individuals. As a result, **Shah Mehmood Qureshi** and the five other accused were **acquitted**.

The court also clarified that **Shah Mehmood Qureshi** was not part of any illegal protest on **9 May**, as he was **in Karachi** during the events. The ruling states that **Qureshi** was not involved in the **Shire Paw Bridge incident**.

The verdict further states that **the prosecution successfully established its case against** several other PTI leaders, including **Dr. Yasmin Rashid**, **Omer Sarfraz Cheema**, **Ijaz Chaudhry**, and **Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed**. These eight individuals were found guilty and sentenced to **10 years of rigorous imprisonment** each for their role in the riots.

Moreover, the court has handed down an **additional fine** of **Rs 300,000** to each convicted individual. Failure to pay the fines would result in **further imprisonment**.

Regarding **Afzal Azim**, **Ali Hassan**, and **Riaz Hussain**, the three individuals were previously out on **bail** but were **arrested** after the verdict. They have been taken into custody and handed over to the jail authorities for serving their **prison sentences**.

In total, the convicted individuals will serve **38 years of imprisonment** under various sections of the law for their involvement in the violence that ensued on **9 May** at the Shire Paw Bridge.

This judgment follows a significant political and legal battle, with both PTI and opposition parties keenly watching the outcomes of these cases. The ruling is expected to have a profound impact on **Pakistan’s political landscape**, as it involves **high-profile figures** from **PTI**.