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ATC Hands 10-Year Jail Terms to PTI Leaders in May 9 Case | Shah Mehmood Qureshi Acquitted
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Anti-Terrorism Court sentences Dr Yasmin Rashid and other PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in May 9 riots case, while Shah Mehmood Qureshi is acquitted. Full legal and political analysis.
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May 9 riots case
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ATC verdict PTI leaders, Yasmin Rashid sentence, Shah Mehmood Qureshi acquitted, May 9 violence Pakistan, PTI legal cases, Kot Lakhpat Jail verdict, anti-terrorism court Pakistan
Introduction
Pakistan’s political landscape witnessed another major legal development as an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) announced its verdict in one of the most prominent cases linked to the May 9, 2023 riots. The court sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to 10 years of imprisonment, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the same case.
The verdict has not only intensified PTI’s ongoing legal troubles but has also sparked renewed debate about accountability, political victimisation, and the future of the party founded by Imran Khan. This blog provides a detailed, SEO-friendly breakdown of the case, the court’s findings, political implications, and what lies ahead.
ATC Announces Verdict Inside Kot Lakhpat Jail
An Anti-Terrorism Court in Lahore, presided over by Judge Manzar Ali Gul, announced the verdict on Friday inside Kot Lakhpat Jail. The case was related to the attack on the GOR-1 gate at Club Chowk, Lahore, during the violent protests that erupted on May 9.
PTI Leaders Sentenced to 10 Years
The court handed 10-year prison sentences to the following PTI leaders:
- Dr Yasmin Rashid
- Omer Sarfraz Cheema
- Mian Mehmoodur Rashid
- Ejaz Chaudhry
- Three other accused individuals
This ruling marks yet another conviction for these leaders, many of whom are already serving sentences in other May 9-related cases.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi Acquitted
In a significant development, the court acquitted Shah Mehmood Qureshi, senior PTI leader and former foreign minister, along with 13 other accused. The acquittal was welcomed by PTI supporters, who viewed it as a rare relief amid a series of adverse verdicts against the party.
Qureshi had been facing allegations related to the same incident but was cleared due to lack of sufficient evidence, according to legal observers following the proceedings.
Details of the Case: Attack on GOR-1 Gate
FIR and Allegations
The case was registered by Race Course Police Station following the violent attack on the GOR-1 gate during the May 9 unrest. According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused were involved in:
- Damaging security cameras
- Smashing police wireless communication equipment
- Breaking glass panels at the GOR gate
- Vandalising government property
- Assaulting police personnel
The prosecution claimed that the violence was part of a coordinated attack carried out by a mob allegedly led by PTI leader Hammad Azhar.
Prosecution’s Case and Court Proceedings
During the trial, the court recorded final statements of 21 accused, including Dr Yasmin Rashid. The prosecution presented 56 witnesses to support its claims.
Proclaimed Offenders
The court also noted that four accused were declared proclaimed offenders after repeatedly failing to appear before the court. This aspect further strengthened the prosecution’s stance regarding organised violence.
The court ensured the attendance of both bail-granted and detained accused throughout the trial, underscoring the seriousness of the proceedings.
May 9, 2023: A Turning Point in Pakistan’s Politics
The May 9 riots are widely regarded as one of the most turbulent episodes in Pakistan’s recent political history.
What Triggered the Violence?
The unrest erupted after Imran Khan, the founder of PTI and former prime minister, was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in connection with a graft case.
Within hours, protests spiralled into violence across the country.
Scale of the May 9 Riots
Thousands of PTI supporters took to the streets and stormed public and military installations, including:
- Corps Commander House, Lahore
- General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi
- Civil and police buildings in multiple cities
The attacks marked an unprecedented escalation, as protesters targeted sensitive military sites — a development that fundamentally altered the state’s response to PTI.
Legal Fallout for PTI Leadership
Since May 9, dozens of PTI leaders and workers have faced arrests, trials, and convictions under anti-terrorism laws.
Repeated Convictions
For Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and Ejaz Chaudhry, this case marks the fifth conviction related to the May 9 violence.
Legal experts say cumulative sentences could significantly extend their time behind bars unless higher courts grant relief.
ECP Disqualifications Add to PTI’s Crisis
Last month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified several PTI lawmakers following their convictions in May 9 cases.
Key Figures Disqualified
Those disqualified included:
- Senator Shibli Faraz (Leader of the Opposition in Senate)
- Omar Ayub Khan (Leader of the Opposition in National Assembly)
The ECP’s decision further weakened PTI’s parliamentary presence.
Faisalabad ATC Sentences PTI Leaders
Just days before the Lahore verdict, a special ATC in Faisalabad sentenced several PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in another May 9-related case registered at the Civil Lines Police Station.
Those sentenced included:
- Omar Ayub
- Shibli Faraz
- Zartaj Gul
- Other senior party members
These consecutive rulings highlight the scale of legal challenges facing PTI.
Imran Khan and the Future of PTI
Imran Khan, Pakistan’s only prime minister to be ousted via a no-confidence vote, remains behind bars in multiple cases.
Mounting Legal Pressure
With a large portion of PTI’s senior leadership either imprisoned, convicted, or disqualified, political analysts believe the party is facing its toughest phase since its formation.
However, PTI maintains that these cases are politically motivated and vows to challenge the verdicts in higher courts.
Political Reactions and Public Debate
The verdict has reignited debates across Pakistan regarding:
- The use of anti-terrorism laws against political leaders
- Judicial independence
- The balance between accountability and political repression
Supporters of the ruling argue that no one is above the law, while critics warn of long-term consequences for democratic norms.
What Happens Next? Legal Options Ahead
Appeals in Higher Courts
Legal experts expect the convicted PTI leaders to:
- File appeals in the Lahore High Court
- Seek suspension of sentences
- Challenge the application of anti-terrorism charges
The acquittal of Shah Mehmood Qureshi may also be cited in future appeals as a precedent.
Conclusion
The ATC’s decision to sentence Dr Yasmin Rashid and other PTI leaders to 10 years in prison, while acquitting Shah Mehmood Qureshi, marks a significant chapter in the aftermath of the May 9 riots.
As PTI’s legal battles intensify and political uncertainty continues, the verdict underscores how deeply the events of May 9 have reshaped Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape. Whether higher courts will alter these outcomes remains to be seen, but the impact of these rulings will be felt for years to come.
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