LAHORE (Kashmir English): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, while sentencing Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry, and three others in a case related to the attack on the Club Chowk GOR gate during the May 9 riots.
The verdict was announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul inside Kot Lakhpat Jail. The court, however, acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi and 13 others.
In addition, the ATC sentenced other party leaders to 10 years in prison each. During the trial in the case, the final statements of 21 accused, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, were recorded, while 56 witnesses were presented in court by the prosecution.
During the trial, the court also noted that four accused were declared as proclaimed offenders.
The case was registered by the Race Course Police Station over the attack on the GOR-1 gate during the May 9 violence.
According to the FIR, the accused damaged security cameras, smashed police wireless equipment, broke glass panels at the GOR gate, caused damage to government property, and assaulted police personnel.
The prosecution alleged that the attack was carried out by a mob led by PTI leader Hammad Azhar. The court ensured the attendance of both bail-granted and detained accused. PTI leaders faced allegations of inciting party workers to rebellion and violence during the May 9 unrest.
