Lahore, September 9, 2025: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while awarding 10-year prison terms to senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed and former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema in yet another case linked to the May 9 riots.
The case pertained to the torching of police vehicles near Jinnah House (Corps Commander House) during violent protests that erupted following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9, 2023. The riots saw widespread vandalism of government buildings and military installations across the country, prompting a sweeping state crackdown against PTI.
According to Advocate Rana Mudassar, ATC Judge Manzer Ali Gill acquitted Qureshi but convicted several other PTI leaders. The court also handed five years’ imprisonment to PTI activist and fashion designer Khadija Shah.
In total, 51 accused were nominated in the case, with 12 declared absconders. The trial of the remaining 39 accused concluded today.
Tuesday’s ruling adds to a series of mixed verdicts, with Qureshi being acquitted in multiple May 9-related cases, while other PTI leaders continue to face heavy sentences.
