An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday handed down 10-year jail sentences to several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, in the Sherpao Bridge arson and incitement case related to the May 9 riots. Meanwhile, the court acquitted several other high-profile PTI figures, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, due to a lack of evidence.
The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Arshad Javed inside Kot Lakhpat Jail under tight security. The case, registered under FIR No. 97/23 at the Sarwar Road Police Station, revolved around charges of incitement, terrorism, and arson following the nationwide violent protests triggered by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
During the protests, multiple government and military installations were targeted, including the Corps Commander House (Jinnah House) in Lahore. The prosecution presented testimonies from 61 witnesses, alleging that the accused played key roles in provoking violence and causing destruction of public property. The defence, led by Burhan Moazzam Malik, maintained that the trial was politically motivated and lacked credible evidence.
Security was heightened around the prison during the verdict announcement, and the court had earlier ordered all accused on bail to remain in custody until the judgment to prevent any unrest.
PTI Leaders Sentenced to 10 Years:
- Dr Yasmin Rashid – Senior PTI leader, former health minister
- Senator Ejaz Chaudhry – PTI senator and party veteran
- Omar Sarfraz Cheema – Former Punjab governor
- Mian Mahmood ur Rasheed – Former provincial minister
- Afzal Azeem Pahat – PTI leader and practicing lawyer
- Ali Hasan – Co-accused in the Sherpao Bridge case
- Riaz Hasan – Co-accused
- Khalid Qayyum – Co-accused
PTI Leaders Acquitted:
- Shah Mahmood Qureshi – Former foreign minister
- Hamza Azeem Pahat – Son of Afzal Azeem Pahat
- Rana Tanveer – PTI worker
- Azaz Rafique – PTI worker
- Ziyas – PTI worker
- Muhammad Iftikhar – PTI worker
