Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted as ATC sentences PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in May 9 Mughalpura arson case

LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Saturday sentenced several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to 10 years in prison in the May 9, 2023 Mughalpura arson case involving the burning of police vehicles, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

The court handed 10-year jail terms to PTI leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema and Mahmood-ur-Rasheed after announcing its verdict in the high-profile case.

The case pertained to violent incidents in Mughalpura during the May 9 unrest, when police vehicles were set on fire amid widespread protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. Several political leaders were accused of involvement in the incident.

In a separate decision, the court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi of all charges related to the case.

The verdict marks one of the key rulings emerging from multiple trials linked to the May 9 unrest, during which state and military installations, as well as public property, came under attack in various cities across the country.

Further legal proceedings in related cases are expected to continue as investigations and trials linked to the May 9 events remain underway.