LAHORE — An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has sentenced Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid and Ejaz Chaudhary, to ten years in prison in the Jinnah House attack case.
Former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was acquitted due to lack of evidence, according to court proceedings held at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The case relates to the violent events of May 9, 2023, when protests erupted nationwide following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. During these protests, several attacks targeted military installations, including the Jinnah House, which is the residence of the Corps Commander in Lahore. Vehicles were set on fire near the residence, and property damage occurred.
In its verdict, the court sentenced Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhary, Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Aisha Bhutta to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for their roles in the attack. Shah Mehmood Qureshi, along with six others, including Sohail Khan and Salman Ahmed, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them to the attack.
In a related case involving arson and a siege at Shadman police station, Shah Mehmood Qureshi was again acquitted, while PTI leaders Alia Hamza and Sanam Javed received five-year prison sentences.
These verdicts come after a thorough investigation into the widespread violence that broke out after May 9. The protests had spread across major cities and provinces, forcing authorities to call in the armed forces to restore order. The legal outcomes mark a significant step in addressing the unrest and holding individuals accountable.
The Jinnah House attack case has drawn national attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the serious charges of terrorism and vandalism. The court’s rulings are expected to influence the political landscape in Pakistan, reflecting ongoing tensions between different parties.
For more detailed coverage on this incident, you can refer to the full article here: Eight Killed in Gilgit Landslide During Flood Repairs.
