ATC Verdict in Another May 9 Case: Shah Mahmood Qureshi Acquitted, Yasmin Rashid and Others Sentenced to 10 Years
LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has announced its verdict in another case related to the May 9 riots, acquitting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi while sentencing several other party leaders to prison terms.
The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill at Kot Lakhpat Jail. The court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, whereas Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema were each sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The case pertains to an arson and vandalism incident registered at Mughalpura Police Station following the events of May 9. A total of 22 accused were put on trial. During the proceedings, the court declared two suspects as proclaimed offenders.
Out of the remaining 20 accused, eight were convicted and handed prison sentences, while 12 were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
This marks the verdict in the eighth May 9-related case decided in Lahore. A total of 14 cases linked to the May 9 unrest were registered in the city.
Several PTI leaders and workers have already received sentences in other May 9 cases, as courts continue to hear and decide matters related to the nationwide protests and violence that erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
