LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Umar Sarfaraz Cheema to 10 years in prison each in connection with the violent incidents of May 9.
The special ATC, presided over by Judge Manzar Ali Gul, announced its reserved verdict at Kot Lakhpat Jail in a case linked to vandalism at the Government Officers’ Residence (GOR) Gate. The court simultaneously acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who was among those accused.
During the trial, final statements of 21 accused were recorded, while the prosecution presented testimony from 56 witnesses. According to police and army records, the accused were involved in damaging security cameras at Club Chowk GOR Gate, breaking police wireless equipment and gate glass panels, vandalising public property, and attacking police personnel.
The case further alleged that PTI leaders incited party workers to engage in rebellious and violent actions on May 9, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The court also declared four accused absconders, ordering their arrest and production before the bench. The Race Course Police had earlier submitted the challan in the case.
The verdict marks one of the most significant rulings in the aftermath of the May 9 unrest, which saw widespread violence, attacks on state property, and clashes between PTI supporters and law enforcement agencies across Pakistan.
