An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on December 19, 2025, sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omer Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed to 10 years in prison each in a case linked to the May 9, 2023, riots. Meanwhile, former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted of all charges.
Case Details and Charges
The case, registered at Race Course Police Station, involves allegations of vandalism at Club Chowk and GOR Gate, including damaging security cameras, breaking police equipment, and attacking officials during protests following PTI founder Imran Khan’s arrest. The unrest saw widespread attacks on public and military properties nationwide.
Verdict and Trial Proceedings
Judge Manzer Ali Gill pronounced the verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail after a trial featuring testimony from 56 prosecution witnesses. The court convicted seven accused while acquitting Qureshi and 13 others due to insufficient evidence. It also ordered the arrest of four proclaimed offenders. This marks the fifth conviction for the sentenced leaders in separate May 9-related cases, highlighting ongoing legal challenges for PTI figures amid accusations of inciting violence.
The split decision underscores varying evidence strength against individual accused in the high-profile riots that gripped Pakistan in 2023.