PTI leaders' sentences laid out in detailed judgment on May 9 attacks cases
Pakistan
Dr Yasmin, Mian Mehmood, Omar Sarfraz, and Ejaz Ch get jailtime; Qureshi acquitted
Court cites political motivation behind May 9 arson and unrest
Digital evidence links female PTI leaders to incitement content
Several co-accused handed sentences exceeding two decades
LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has issued a 93-page detailed verdict in the Shadman arson case, sentencing several senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to lengthy prison terms for their role in the violent unrest of May 9, 2023.
Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Ejaz Chaudhry received a combined total of 35 years’ imprisonment. PTI leaders Aliya Hamza Malik and Sanam Javed were handed five-year sentences each along with fines of Rs100,000. PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted due to lack of evidence.
The court found that violent attacks on government and military installations nationwide followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan, with the Shadman police station incident forming part of this coordinated unrest.
Political motivation
Judge Manzar Ali Gill noted in the judgment that PTI workers saw Imran Khan as a “red line” and “saviour” and would not consider defying his orders. Party meetings and rallies frequently described him as the leader who would “rescue the nation,” and no one hesitated to act following his arrest.
PTI's Shah Mahmood Qureshi acquitted, others convicted in May 9 cases
The court concluded that the accused acted out of political motivation rather than peaceful protest.
Digital evidence
The verdict highlighted digital evidence against Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza, including video clips and social media posts recovered from USB drives and mobile phones. Sanam was described as “influential online,” while Aliya was noted as a senior PTI leader. Both were linked to posts inciting unrest.
Eleven eyewitnesses testified that Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed was present at the scene, with some alleging that he fired a pistol. Although the court did not find proof of intent to kill, his conviction for violent offences was upheld.
Other sentences
Co-accused Qaiser Faheem, Niaz Ahmad, Syed Ali Hasan, Zain Ali, and Bilal Wajahat were sentenced to between 24 years and six months and 26 years in prison. Sentences were issued under various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), covering charges including armed rioting, obstructing public servants, and damaging property.
The court ordered the immediate arrest of absconders Sana Asif and Arbaz Zaman. In total, 19 accused stood trial, with testimony recorded from 45 prosecution witnesses. One accused, Usman Ghani, died during the proceedings.
All convicted individuals have 15 days to file an appeal against the verdict.
