The verdict announced at Kot Lakhpat jail after the trial included 56 prosecution witnesses.
The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Friday issued its verdict in the May 9 case, sentencing Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed to 10 years in prison each, while Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted of all charges in the case.
These PTI leaders have been previously sentenced by various courts in Punjab in connection with riot incidents on May 9, 2023, when party supporters were reportedly involved in attacks on government and military properties following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The court also ordered the arrest and production of four proclaimed criminals, namely Farooq Anjum, Habib Ahmed, Arsalan and Akbar Khan.
Judge Manzer Ali Gill pronounced the verdict in Kot Lakhpat jail, after the court reserved its sentence following the completion of the judicial process. During the trial, a total of 56 prosecution witnesses testified. The 25 accused named in the case included Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhary and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. Their charge sheet had been submitted in full to the court.
Read: ATC reserves verdict in GOR Gate attack case
The case, registered at the Races Course police station, pertains to the attack on Club Chowk, GOR Gate, where the accused allegedly damaged security cameras, broke police wireless equipment and gate glass, attacked officials and vandalized public property.
PTI leaders face accusations of inciting workers to rebel and riot on May 9.
The decision relates to the violent protests that broke out after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan at the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9, 2023. The protests were reportedly involved in widespread vandalism and attacks on public and military properties, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of PTI workers and leaders in related cases.
At least eight people were killed and hundreds injured during the unrest, while some 40 public buildings and military installations were damaged. These included the Lahore Corps Commander’s House (Jinnah House), Askari Tower, General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, ISI office in Faisalabad, FC Fort in Chakdara, Radio Pakistan Peshawar, Swat Highway Toll Plaza and Mianwali Air Base.
Several PTI leaders, including Shibli Faraz, are already facing cases related to the riots, as investigations and proceedings continue.
