An anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Tuesday ordered the release of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood  Qureshi in connection with two cases related to the May 9 arson and rioting incidents.  The order was issued by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gill, who instructed the superintendent of jail to release Qureshi immediately, provided  he is not wanted in any other case.

This decision comes just a day after the same court sentenced other senior PTI leaders – Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry – to 10 years in prison and imposed fines of Rs. 600,000 each, along with orders to confiscate their properties in connection with the same cases.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in both cases, which were related to the arson at Shadman police station and rioting in Lahore Cantonment, incidents that took place during the nationwide protests on May 9, 2023. These protests erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).

Violent demonstrations broke out across the country, during which military, government, and private installations were attacked. In Lahore, PTI supporters set fire to the PML-N office in Model Town, stormed the residence of the Corps Commander (Jinnah House), and caused widespread damage to both public and private property. Similar scenes were witnessed in Rawalpindi, where protesters broke into a gate of the GHQ (General Headquarters).

The violence left at least 8 people dead and over 290 injured, leading to a massive crackdown in which around 1,900 individuals were arrested, and multiple cases were registered against Imran Khan, party leaders, and workers. Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s release marks a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the May 9 events, although it remains subject to verification of any other pending charges or cases against him.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)