An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has directed authorities to release PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi in two cases linked to the May 9, 2023, riots. Judge Manzar Ali Gill issued the order, stating that Qureshi should be freed immediately unless he is required in any other pending case.
The decision comes just one day after the same court handed down 10-year prison sentences to four other senior PTI leaders—Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry—along with Rs. 600,000 fines each and orders to confiscate their properties. These leaders were convicted for their alleged involvement in the arson and rioting incidents during the May 9 protests.
Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in cases related to the burning of Shadman police station and violent clashes in Lahore Cantonment. The May 9 protests erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case, leading to nationwide chaos.
During the unrest, PTI supporters attacked military and government installations, including Jinnah House (Corps Commander’s residence) and the PML-N office in Model Town. In Rawalpindi, protesters breached GHQ gates, resulting in 8 deaths and 290+ injuries. Authorities later arrested over 1,900 people in a sweeping crackdown.
Qureshi’s release marks a significant legal shift, though his status remains subject to other potential cases. The contrasting verdicts highlight the complex legal landscape surrounding the May 9 events, with PTI leaders facing harsh sentences while Qureshi walks free—for now. Further developments are expected as appeals proceed.
