Trial of 19 accused in Lahore's Shadman arson case concludes, verdict reserved

Lahore: In Lahore’s Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC), the trial of 19 accused in the Shadman police station arson case, concluded on Saturday, and the court reserved its verdict.

Among the accused are Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and Ijaz Chaudhry. Judge Manzar Ali Gul of the Lahore ATC completed the trial at Kot Lakhpat Jail.

Among the accused are PTI’s Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, former Federal Minister Yasmin Rashid, and former Punjab Governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema.

Other accused include Ijaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmood-ul-Rasheed, Sanam Javed, Aalia Hamza, and several other PTI leaders. The case has been registered under terrorism and other relevant charges.

Legal arguments on behalf of Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Yasmin Rashid were presented by Advocate Rana Mudassar Umar, while Advocate Rana Maroof concluded the defence for Ijaz Chaudhry.

A total of 41 accused have been named in the Shadman police station arson case; 15 are declared absconders, six are in custody, and one accused has passed away.

Following the conclusion of the trial against the 19 accused, the court has reserved its judgment. Judge Manzar Ali Gul is currently in his chambers, and security at Kot Lakhpat Jail has been heightened.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mahmood-ul-Rasheed, and other accused were present in the courtroom. The accused were prevented from leaving the jail premises.