Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court Delivers Major Verdict in May 9 Riots Case
In a significant development, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9, 2023 riots. The case pertains to the torching of a Supreme Court judge’s vehicle near Rahat Bakery Chowk during the nationwide unrest that followed the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The verdict was delivered by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul during proceedings held at Kot Lakhpat Jail, citing evidence linking the accused to acts of terrorism and incitement to violence.
PTI leaders Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed and Umar Sarfraz Cheema were also handed 10-year sentences, while Khadija Shah received a five-year prison term. However, the court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, along with Rubina Jameel and Afshan Tariq, citing insufficient evidence.
Mounting Legal Troubles for PTI Leadership Post-May 9 Violence
The May 9 riots marked a turning point for PTI, with widespread protests and violent attacks on military and state infrastructure, including the Corps Commander House in Lahore and the GHQ in Rawalpindi. The unrest erupted after Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court premises in a corruption case, sparking nationwide outrage among his supporters.
Thousands were detained, and dozens of party leaders, including Imran Khan himself, were jailed or tried under anti-terrorism laws. The party continues to face intense legal and political pressure, with key figures receiving prison sentences, while others have been disqualified from holding public office.
Just last month, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified several PTI lawmakers, including Senator Shibli Faraz and Omar Ayub Khan, following their convictions in separate May 9-related cases. These disqualifications came shortly after a special ATC in Faisalabad sentenced leaders including Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Zartaj Gul to 10 years each for their roles in the attack on the Civil Lines Police Station.
May 9 Aftermath: A Defining Political Crisis
The May 9 incidents remain one of the most consequential political crises in Pakistan’s recent history. The violent protests not only targeted government property but also symbolically attacked military authority, a rare and controversial move in a country where the armed forces hold significant influence.
While many PTI workers have since been released on bail, a large number—including top-tier party leaders—remain incarcerated, awaiting trials in multiple cases. The party maintains that the crackdown is politically motivated, while the government insists the legal action is necessary to uphold law and order.
