ATC hands Dr Yasmeen 10-year jail, acquits Qureshi

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, 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 previously been sentenced by various courts in Punjab in connection with incidents of unrest on May 9, 2023, when party supporters reportedly engaged in attacks on government and military properties following the arrest of PTI founder 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 pronounced the verdict at Kot Lakhpat Jail, after the court had reserved its judgment following the completion of trial proceedings. 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, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. Their charge sheet had been presented before the court in full.

Read: ATC reserves verdict in GOR Gate attack case

The case, registered at Races Course Police Station, pertains to the attack on Club Chowk, GOR Gate, where the accused allegedly damaged security cameras, broke police wireless equipment and gate glass, attacked officials, and vandalised public property.

PTI leaders face allegations of inciting workers to revolt and provoke riots on May 9.

The decision relates to the violent protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9, 2023. The demonstrations were reportedly involved in widespread vandalism and attacks on public and military property, resulting in hundreds of PTI workers and leaders were arrested in related cases.

At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured during the riots, while around 40 public buildings and military installations suffered damage. These included the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the ISI office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan Peshawar, the Swat Motorway Toll Plaza and the Mianwali Air Base.

Several PTI leaders, including Shibli Faraz are already facing cases linked to the unrest, as investigations and proceedings continue.