The verdict delivered in Kot Lakhpat Jail after the trial included 56 prosecution witnesses
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Friday delivered its verdict in the May 9 case, convicting Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed to 10 years imprisonment each, while Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted of all charges in the case.
These PTI leaders have previously been convicted by various courts in Punjab in connection with incidents of riots on 9 May 2023, where party supporters were allegedly involved in attacks on government and military properties following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The court also ordered the arrest and production of four declared offenders, named Farooq Anjum, Habib Ahmed, Arsalan and Akbar Khan.
Judge Manzer Ali Gill pronounced the sentence in the Kot Lakhpat jail after the court reserved its verdict after the conclusion of the trial. A total of 56 prosecutors are testifying during the trial. The 25 accused in the case included Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. Their indictment had been presented to the court in full.
Read: ATC reserves judgment in GOR Gate attack case
The case registered at Races Course Police Station pertains to the attack at Club Chowk, GOR Gate, where the accused allegedly damaged security cameras, broke police wireless equipment and gate glass, assaulted officials and vandalized public property.
PTI leaders face allegations of inciting workers to rebel and provoking riots on May 9.
The decision relates to the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan from Islamabad High Court premises on 9 May 2023. The demonstrations allegedly involved widespread vandalism and attacks on public and military property, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of PTI workers and leaders in related cases.
At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured during the unrest, while around 40 public buildings and military installations were damaged. These included the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan Peshawar, Swat Motorway Toll Plaza and Mianwali Air Base.
Several PTI leaders, including Shibli Faraz, are already facing cases linked to the unrest as investigations and proceedings continue.
