ATC Issues Detailed Verdict in May 9 Case: Qureshi Acquitted, Yasmin Rashid & Others Jailed
Lahore: A special anti-terrorism court (ATC) has issued a comprehensive ruling in the May 9 case involving an attack on the convoy of a Supreme Court judge. The verdict has brought major political consequences, with some PTI leaders sentenced, others acquitted, and fresh arrest orders issued.
ATC-I Judge Manzer Ali Gill announced the detailed judgment on September 9, declaring social media activist Sanam Javed and four other absconders as proclaimed offenders. He also ordered the arrest of fashion designer Khadija Shah, who has been sentenced to five years in prison. Shah, the granddaughter of former army chief Asif Nawaz Janjua, was absent on the day of the verdict along with 13 other convicts.
Qureshi Walks Free, Senior PTI Leaders Sentenced
The court acquitted former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, citing evidence that confirmed he was not in Lahore on the day of the incident, but instead traveling from Multan to Karachi. The court ruled his case stood on a different footing than the others.
However, several senior PTI leaders faced heavy penalties. Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, and former senator Ejaz Chaudhry were each handed ten years of imprisonment for their alleged involvement in orchestrating and inciting the violence.
Arrest Warrants for Key Figures
Perpetual arrest warrants were issued against Sanam Javed, Muhammad Siddiq, Tayyab Ali, Syed Faisal Akhtar, and Zarif Khan, who remain at large. The court emphasized that the absconders must be arrested and brought to justice.
Judge’s Observations on May 9 Violence
In his detailed remarks, Judge Gill highlighted that the May 9 attacks were primarily directed at military and government installations, including roads leading to Jinnah House in Lahore’s cantonment area. He underlined that no private buildings or civilian property were damaged during the unrest.
The court noted that while defense counsel tried to challenge the occurrence of the incident, the prosecution backed its case with oral testimony, documentary proof, and digital evidence. This included social media footage, press clippings, and news coverage that created what the judge called an “uninterrupted chain of facts.”
Quoting from the judgment, the judge remarked:
“In today’s digital age, no incident of such magnitude can remain hidden. The May 9 events were not only real but an open secret.”
He further observed that in a civilized society, attacks on law enforcement, defense institutions, or national monuments amount to lawlessness and cannot be tolerated.
PTI Leadership’s Role Highlighted
The court’s findings pointed to meetings allegedly held at Zaman Park, residence of PTI founder Imran Khan, where conspiracies were said to have been discussed. Judge Gill maintained that, as senior party leaders, the accused had close coordination with their then-chairman and followed his directions.
Meanwhile, Shah Mahmood Qureshi managed to establish a solid alibi, with evidence proving his absence from both Zaman Park meetings and Lahore on the day of the attack. His acquittal sets him apart from the other PTI leaders convicted in the case.