An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore accused Monday 21 individuals, including Senior Pakistan Tehreek-E-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr. Yasmin Rashid, in connection with May 9, 2023, rebellion.
The prosecutors relate to the violent protests that took place after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, including the alleged torch of a container in Kalma Chowk.
The indictment was announced by Lahore ATC judge Arshad Javed during a hearing in Kot Lakhpat Prison in which Qureshi refused the charges. The court postponed the hearing until February 17 and summoned the prosecution quarters.
Riot 9 May broke out nationwide after KHAN’s arrest in connection with the settlement of 190 million pounds.
PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their commitment to the protests that targeted both civilian and military installations, including Jinnah House and the general headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a “black day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
As a result of the turmoil, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court sentenced 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60.
In January, 19 had their sentences pardoned after successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction with the limited number of pardens.
The military lawsuits had originally been stopped after a Supreme Court Recovery, but were resumed following the court’s instructions to end pending cases and advertise judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan strongly against the trial against civilians in military courts with reference to constitutional concerns.
