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Anti-Terrorism Court Indicts Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and Others in May 9 Riots Case
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and PTI leaders face charges in the May 9 riots case, which led to violent protests and significant damage. The court proceedings continue as mercy petitions are granted to some convicted in the unrest.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-09
Anti-Terrorism Court Indicts Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and Others in May 9 Riots Case

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has formally indicted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and several others in connection with the violent riots that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI leader Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The charges were read out in the court presided over by Judge Manzar Ali Gul at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where all the accused, including PTI leaders Sanam Javed and others, denied the allegations.
The case stems from the violent protests on May 9, which saw widespread destruction, with military, civilian, and private properties set on fire. At least eight people lost their lives, and over 290 others sustained injuries in the unrest. Law enforcement agencies arrested nearly 1,900 individuals nationwide for their alleged involvement in the violent protests.
As the investigation into the May 9 riots continues, cases have also been filed against Imran Khan, PTI party leaders, and other supporters. The violence led to attacks on key military and civilian facilities, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander House in Lahore (Jinnah House).
In a related development, mercy petitions submitted by 19 individuals convicted for their involvement in the May 9 protests were recently approved by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR announced that these petitions had been granted on humanitarian grounds, with the convicts to be released following the completion of necessary formalities.
The ISPR further stated that 67 convicts had submitted mercy petitions, with 48 of them processed for appeal. The decision to grant clemency highlights the due process and fairness in the legal system while considering humanitarian aspects.
The May 9 riots were a significant turning point in Pakistan's political landscape, sparked by the arrest of Imran Khan on charges of corruption. The violence led to attacks on military installations, which has prompted the resumption of military trials after a Supreme Court ruling. Over the past months, sentences have been handed down to civilians involved in the attacks, with the military courts upholding the rule of law while allowing the right to appeal for those convicted.
The ongoing trials and subsequent clemency for some of the convicts illustrate the complexity of balancing justice and mercy in the aftermath of one of Pakistan's most contentious political crises.
Tagged:

PTI

PakistanPolitics

ShahMahmoodQureshi

May9Riots
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