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Lahore ATC Rejects Bail Applications of Senior PTI Leaders in May 9 Arson Case
Lahore ATC rejects bail pleas of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Umar Sarfraz Cheema & Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed in May 9 police vehicle arson case near Jinnah House.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-11
Lahore ATC Rejects Bail Applications of Senior PTI Leaders in May 9 Arson Case

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Thursday dismissed the bail applications of senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed in a case involving the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House during the violent protests on May 9, 2023.

ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul announced the verdict after hearing final arguments from both prosecution and defense lawyers. The court rejected the bail requests, ruling that the leaders were allegedly involved in inciting violence, damaging public and private property, and leading unlawful assemblies.

Background of the Case

The case pertains to the May 9 protests that erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, which led to widespread violence across several cities. In Lahore, a mob reportedly attacked and set ablaze police vehicles near Jinnah House, the residence of the Corps Commander.

Authorities allege that senior PTI leadership was directly involved in organizing and encouraging the protests, which turned violent.

Serious Charges

The PTI leaders are facing serious charges under anti-terrorism laws, including incitement to violence, arson, vandalism, and interference with law enforcement operations. Investigators claim that evidence, including videos and witness testimonies, links the accused to the planning and execution of the attack on police vehicles.

No Bail Relief

The rejection of bail indicates that the court believes there is sufficient material to proceed with the prosecution. Legal analysts suggest that this could set the tone for other pending May 9-related cases involving dozens of PTI workers and leaders.

With this decision, the accused leaders will remain in custody as the trial proceeds.

Political Fallout

The ruling is a major legal blow to the embattled PTI, which has seen much of its senior leadership entangled in legal proceedings since the events of May 9. The party has repeatedly denied orchestrating the violence and claims the crackdown is politically motivated.

The next hearings are expected to focus on the framing of charges and presentation of formal evidence.

 
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