LAHORE (Kashmir English): An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday sent several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry, to 10 years in prison each in connection with a case related to the Sherpao Bridge Lahore arson on May 9, 2023.
The other six awarded with sentences include former Punjab governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema and Afzal Azeem Pahat.
In addition to that, the court also acquitted six individuals, including former foreign minister and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Hamza Azeem Pahat, Rana Tanveer, and Aizaz Rafiq due to a lack of evidence.
ATC Judge Arshad Javed delivered the reserved verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail under strict security measures, where a total of 14 PTI leaders and supporters faced trial.
The case relates to arson and rioting at Lahore’s Sherpao Bridge area during the unrest that followed former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest was registered at Sarwar Road Police Station.
The accused were booked under the terrorism-related charges of inciting violence, delivering provocative speeches, and causing damage to public property.
Earlier, ATC Sargodha sentenced Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Bhachar, PTA MNA Ahmed Chattha, and many other PTI supporters to imprisonment for 10 years in the May 9 vandalism case.
After hearing arguments in the May 9 riots case, the ATC has issued its verdict, sentencing all 32 to prison for 10 years each.
The May 9 incidents triggered nationwide condemnation after protests erupted across Pakistan, targeting military and government properties. The state has since pursued multiple cases under anti-terrorism laws against PTI leaders and supporters.
