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