Malik Waqar
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday indicted 21 individuals, including senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots.
The charges relate to the violent protests that occurred after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, including the alleged torching of a container at Kalma Chowk.
The indictment was announced by Lahore ATC Judge Arshad Javed during a hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where Qureshi denied the charges. The court adjourned the hearing until February 17 and summoned prosecution witnesses.
The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following Khan’s arrest in connection with the £190 million settlement case.
PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their involvement in the protests, which targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act.
As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan’s nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more.
In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons.
The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court’s instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, citing constitutional concerns.
