Shah Mahmood Qureshi Acquitted in May 9 Cases, Two PTI Leaders Sentenced

In Lahore, the Anti-Terrorism Court announced verdicts in two more May 9 cases. Senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in both cases. The court cited lack of evidence for clearing him of all charges. The decision was announced by Judge Manzar Ali inside Kot Lakhpat Jail.

However, the court handed down 10-year prison sentences to Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mehmoodur Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry. PTI activists Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza received five years each. Ayesha Bhutta was sentenced to 10 years for torching vehicles near Jinnah House.

The first case related to the Shadman police station arson incident. Thirteen accused were convicted in this case, while twelve were acquitted. The court found them guilty of participating in violent acts and damaging public property during protests.

In the second case, linked to burning vehicles near Jinnah House, seven accused received sentences. Ten others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence. The court said the convicted individuals played a direct role in destroying vehicles.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi was cleared in both the Shadman arson and Jinnah House vehicle torching cases. His acquittal was seen as a significant development in the ongoing May 9 trials. PTI leaders have called the ruling against others “unjust”.