May 9 Riots: Lahore Court Acquits Ex-Minister Qureshi, Sentences 4 PTI Leaders to 10 Years

In a significant development related to the May 9 riots, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore has acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The court announced its verdict on Saturday, reserving its decision earlier in the week.

However, the same ruling saw senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party sentenced to 10 years in prison. Those receiving the sentences include Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, and former senator Ejaz Chaudhry.

The case, registered at the Mughalpura Police Station, involved accusations of attacking and setting fire to police vehicles. These alleged actions occurred in the Mughalpura area during the widespread riots that took place in 2023.

The proceedings were held in a makeshift court established within Kot Lakhpat Jail. In addition to Qureshi, the court also cleared 11 other party workers. A total of 22 PTI leaders and workers were initially nominated in the case.