Lahore ATC sentences senior PTI leaders to 10 years in jail in Sherpao Bridge arson case; SM Qureshi acquitted

Lahore: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years in prison each in connection with the Sherpao Bridge arson and rioting case. However, PTI vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi and several other accused were acquitted.

The ATC announced its reserved verdict in the Sherpao Bridge case, also sentencing Khalid Qayyum, Riaz Hussain, Ali Hasan, and Afzal Azeem Paht to 10 years imprisonment each.

Meanwhile, the court acquitted Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Zubas Maan, Iftikhar Ahmad, and Rana Tanveer.

Earlier today, the ATC in Lahore had completed a jail trial of the case linked to the May 9 arson incident at Sherpao Bridge, and reserved its verdict. The case included prominent PTI leaders such as Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed as named accused.

During the trial, statements from 61 prosecution witnesses were recorded. The FIR, lodged at Sarwar Road Police Station, includes charges under anti-terrorism laws and other criminal provisions.

Separately, the ATC Sargodha earlier today sentenced Punjab Assembly opposition leader Malik Ahmad Bachar and other co-accused to 10 years in jail over a protest that took place in Mianwali on May 9, 2023.

On May 9, 2023, widespread protests erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case from the premises of the Islamabad High Court.

Violent incidents were reported in various cities. In Lahore’s Model Town area, the PML-N office was set on fire, and military, civil, and private installations were attacked. Significant damage was inflicted on both public and private property. At least eight people were killed and over 290 injured during the riots.

Protesters also stormed the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore—commonly known as Jinnah House—and damaged a gate at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

In the aftermath, law enforcement agencies launched a nationwide crackdown, arresting around 1,900 individuals linked to rioting, arson, and attacks on state property. Dozens of cases were filed against Imran Khan, PTI leaders, and workers under various legal provisions, including terrorism charges.