Lahore, June 20, 2026: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Saturday sentenced four senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to 10 years imprisonment each in a case related to the burning of police vehicles during the May 9, 2023 riots, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi of all charges.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where several of the accused are currently detained.
The court convicted PTI leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mahmood ur Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry, sentencing each to 10 years in prison.
The case concerned the torching of police vehicles during the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023.
A total of 22 individuals were named in the case. The court reserved its verdict after hearing final arguments from both sides. During the trial, the prosecution presented statements from 37 witnesses before the case proceeded to the concluding stage.
The ruling marks another significant legal setback for the PTI, which has faced a series of convictions and prosecutions linked to the May 9 unrest. Several party leaders have already received prison sentences in related cases, while others continue to face legal proceedings.
The May 9 riots broke out after Imran Khan was arrested from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in connection with a corruption case.
Following the arrest, thousands of PTI supporters took to the streets across the country, with demonstrations turning violent in several cities. Protesters attacked and vandalised public property and military installations, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore and the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The incidents triggered a nationwide crackdown, leading to the arrest of hundreds of PTI workers and leaders. While many were later granted bail, numerous cases related to the riots remain under trial.
Saturday’s verdict further intensifies the legal challenges confronting the opposition party, as courts continue to hear cases stemming from one of the most turbulent episodes in Pakistan’s recent political history.
