In a significant development on Tuesday, Lahore’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) ordered the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi following his acquittal in two cases related to the May 9 riots. The court’s decision came after reviewing arguments from both sides and confirming that Qureshi was not wanted in any other case.
The court, under Judge Manzar Ali Gill, directed the superintendent of Kot Lakhpat Jail to release Qureshi, acknowledging the acquittal from the May 9 cases involving the violent protests triggered by the arrest of PTI’s founder, Imran Khan. The ruling followed a decision made on Monday after a week of deliberations.
The May 9 riots, which saw widespread vandalism, targeted multiple military and public installations, including the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The violence stemmed from protests against Imran Khan’s arrest over corruption charges, resulting in significant unrest across the country.
While Qureshi was acquitted, the court handed down harsh sentences to several other prominent PTI leaders. Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, and former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema received 10-year prison terms for their involvement in the destruction during the May 9 riots. The court also ordered the seizure of the politicians’ properties related to their participation in the torching of Shadman Police Station.
Further legal actions were taken, with these leaders also facing a hefty fine of Rs 600,000, which they must pay or face additional imprisonment. Despite the convictions, other PTI members, including Abrar, Amjad, and Faisal, were acquitted in connection to the riots and the Jinnah House vehicle torching case.
As political tensions continue to rise in Pakistan, these legal proceedings reflect the ongoing strain between PTI leadership and the government. Many PTI leaders remain behind bars, with Imran Khan continuing to face a range of charges following his removal from office in April 2022.
