The anti-terrorism court of Lahore (ATC) acquitted on Tuesday to the leader of PTI Shah Mahmod Qureshi while sentenced Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and others to 10 years in prison during a case of disturbances on May 9 related to violence at the Sherpao bridge, Lahore.
After the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, of the facilities of the Superior Court of Islamabad (IHC), the disturbances exploded throughout the country and continued for at least 24 hours. The protesters destroyed and set fire to government buildings and military facilities, while entering the residence of the commander of Lahore’s body. Subsequently, the State launched a repression against him and his party, presenting several other cases against Imran and party leaders from the events of May 9.
The lawyer Burhan Moazzam Malik, the main defense lawyer, confirmed today’s sentence to Dawn.com.
He said that Rashid, former provincial minister Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, Chaudhry and former Punjab governor, Omar Sarfraz Chema, were among those sentenced to 10 years in prison.
PTI leaders confirmed the development at a press conference shortly after the court order came to light.
The ATC had heard the final arguments of the Prosecutor’s Office and the defense in the trial procedures of the case of the case a day ago.
The attached attorney general Abdul Jabbar Dogar had presented final arguments, saying that the “May 9 conspiracy” was hatched on May 7 in Zaman Park. He said that it had already decided what actions would be taken in case of arrest of the founder of PTI Imran Khan.
He claimed that on May 9, according to the plan, the leaders of the party incited workers. He said that the witnesses of the conspiracy had registered their statements before the court. He said that these witnesses were present during the meeting of PTI leaders held in Zaman Park, the residence of the former prime minister.
The prosecutor declared that 61 witnesses of the attacks and vandalism incidents had testified at the trial. Therefore, he said, in the light of the documents, evidence and the statements of the witnesses, the accused people must be convicted.
The main defendants in the case include the vice president of PTI, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the president of Punjab, Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, former governor Omar Sarfraz Chema and former provincial minister Mihmoodur Rashid.
