By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Tuesday handed down 10-year prison sentences to several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, and lawyer-politician Afzal Azeem Pahat, in connection with the Sherpao Bridge arson and incitement case linked to the May 9, 2023 riots.
The verdict, delivered by ATC Judge Arshad Javed inside Kot Lakhpat Jail under strict security arrangements, concluded proceedings in case no. 97/23 registered at Sarwar Road Police Station. The case involved charges of terrorism, arson, and incitement to violence following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan that triggered widespread protests across the country.
The court found the accused guilty of delivering provocative speeches, inciting mobs, and being involved in the torching of public property near Sherpao Bridge. Alongside the political leaders, co-accused Ali Abbas was also sentenced to 10 years.
In contrast, five individuals were acquitted, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Hamza Pahat (son of Afzal Azeem Pahat), Rana Tanveer, Azaz Rafique, and Muhammad Iftikhar, due to insufficient evidence.
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The trial involved 61 prosecution witnesses, with Prosecutor Abdul Jabbar Dogar arguing that the convicted individuals played central roles in orchestrating and fueling violence during the May 9 protests. He urged the court to award exemplary punishment to prevent future unrest.
The defence team, led by Advocate Burhan Moazzam Malik, maintained that the charges were politically motivated and lacked concrete proof. They accused the prosecution of relying on flimsy, circumstantial evidence and failing to establish direct involvement of the accused.
In anticipation of the verdict, the court had directed all previously bailed accused to remain in custody. Heightened security was observed around Kot Lakhpat Jail, with law enforcement personnel deployed to prevent any potential disturbances.
The sentencing of top PTI leaders marks a significant development in the legal fallout of the May 9 unrest, which saw widespread damage to public infrastructure and strained civil-military relations in the country.
