Shah Mahmood Qureshi Expresses Discontent Over Judge Transfer in May 9 Case

Lahore: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi voiced his grievances regarding the judge who was recently transferred from handling the May 9 case. The anti-terrorism court in Lahore, operating within the city’s jail premises, heard cases related to arson and violence at Shadman and Mughalpura police stations on May 9.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, along with Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and Aliya Hamza, appeared in court. Judge Khalid Arshad stated that he was not presiding over the court in his official capacity today but was only scheduling the case for a future date, without making any merit-based orders. He mentioned that he might resign from his post as early as the next day.
Qureshi expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the judge had not yet decided on their bail applications. He requested that the judge administer justice fairly and impartially, emphasizing that the right to bail was fundamental and that they had no intention of fleeing the country.
During the hearing, Judge Arshad remarked that legal constraints prevented granting certain freedoms. He decided to adjourn the case until September 9, despite Qureshi’s request to avoid scheduling it on the 9/11 anniversary.
Dr. Yasmin Rashid attempted to speak, but the judge advised her to wait until the new judge took over, indicating she could address her concerns more freely at that time. Omar Sarfraz Cheema highlighted the issue of frequent judge changes over the past year and the lack of progress in the cases, despite expectations of substantial decisions akin to those in the Capitol Hill cases.
The court also canceled the arrest warrants for PTI women leaders Aliya Hamza and Sanam Javed in the Shadman arson case and adjourned the hearing until September 9 without further proceedings.