An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has indicted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid and others in a case related to the May 9 riots filed at Shadman police station.
The hearing was presided over by Judge Manzar Ali Gul at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the accused denied all charges.
Other accused include PTI leaders Sanam Javed and others.
The case arises from the violent protests on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
During these protests, military, civilian and private properties were set on fire, resulting in at least eight deaths and 290 injuries.
Law enforcement agencies subsequently arrested 1,900 people nationwide for their alleged involvement in the riots. Cases were also filed against Imran Khan, party leaders and workers.
Pardon for 19 convicted in the May 9 riots: ISPR
Last week, clemency petitions submitted by 19 people convicted for their participation in the May 9 protests were approved, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced in a statement.
“After the promulgation of sentences for those convicted of the May 9 tragedy, they have exercised their right of appeal and have asked for clemency/remission of their sentences,” the army’s press wing said.
The ISPR further said that a total of 67 convicts had filed mercy petitions, and 48 of these petitions were processed before the appellate courts. He added that the petitions of 19 convicts had been accepted “on purely humanitarian grounds, in accordance with the law.”
“All will be released once the procedural formalities have been completed,” the statement continues.
The press release also mentions that the mercy petitions of the remaining convicts will be decided in due course after the legal process. He stressed that all convicts retain their right to appeal and seek other legal remedies under the law and the constitution.
“The remission of sentences is a testament to the strength of due process and fairness, ensuring that justice is done taking into account the principles of compassion and mercy,” the ISPR concluded.
The sentences of the following people have been remitted:
Muhammad Ayaz, son of Sahibzada Khan
- Sami Ullah, son of Meer Dad Khan
- Laeeq Ahmed, son of Manzoor Ahmed
- Amjad Ali, son of Manzoor Ahmed
- Yasir Nawaz, son of Ameer Nawaz Khan
- Said Alam, son of Maaz Ullah Khan
- Zahid Khan, son of Muhammad Nabi
- Muhammad Suleman, son of Said Ghani Khan
- Hamza Sharif, son of Muhammad Azam
- Muhammad Salman, son of Zahid Nisar
- Asher Butt, son of Muhammad Arshad Butt
- Muhammad Waqas, son of Malik Muhammad Khalil
- Sufayan Idrees, son of Idrees Ahmed
- Muneeb Ahmed, son of Naveed Ahmed Butt
- Muhammad Ahmed, son of Muhammad Nazir
- Muhammad Nawaz, son of Abdul Samad
- Muhammad Ali, son of Muhammad Boota
- Muhammad Bilawal, son of Manzoor Hussain
- Muhammad Ilyas, son of Muhammad Fazal Haleem
In December, military courts sentenced 60 more civilians to prison terms for their role in violent attacks on military installations during the national unrest on May 9, 2023.
The sentences come just days after the ISPR announced that 25 civilians had been sentenced to prison for their participation in the same events.
The individuals have been convicted for their involvement in violent attacks on key military and government installations, including the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI office in Faisalabad and Bannu Cantt, among others. the ISPR. fixed.
“Following the announcement of the punishments on May 9 in light of the Supreme Court’s decision, the General Field Martial Court has promulgated the punishments to the following 60 remaining culprits after examining all the evidence, ensuring the provision of all legal rights to those convicted, completing due process and the corresponding legal procedures,” the statement says.
The statement further emphasized that all sentenced persons have the legal right to appeal, as provided by the country’s laws.
The military’s media wing said proceedings against nine additional accused individuals in the May 9 cases have been completed.
The May 9 riots were sparked by the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan in a corruption case last year, sparking widespread protests across the country.
These protests turned violent and led to attacks on public and military facilities, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, the Corps Commander’s House Lahore (Jinnah House) and other key sites across the country.
Initially, military trials related to the unrest were suspended following a Supreme Court ruling. However, last month, the court’s constitutional chamber ordered the resumption of these trials and ordered that cases that had been delayed due to the previous order be concluded.
