LAHORE: An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has framed charges against former Interior Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr. Yasmin Rashid, and several other party leaders, including Sanam Javed, in connection with the May 9th vandalism case.
The charges were framed by Judge Manzar Ali Gill during a hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail. During the proceedings, the accused, including senior PTI leaders, denied the charges against them. A case has been registered against them at the Shadman Police Station.
Previously, on December 12, charges were also framed against Qureshi, Rashid, former Senior Provincial Minister Mian Mahmood ur Rashid, Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, former Punjab Governor Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, and other accused individuals in the same matter. All the accused had denied the charges at that time as well.
Background
The charges stem from the violent protests that erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises on May 9th, 2023, in relation to the Al-Qadir Trust case.
Protests turned into widespread violence, with PTI supporters setting fire to the offices of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Lahore’s Model Town area, as well as military, civilian, and private installations. Government and private property was extensively damaged during the unrest, and at least 8 people were killed while 290 others were injured.
In addition to these incidents, protesters stormed the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, known as the Jinnah House, and breached the gates of the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
In the aftermath, over 1,900 individuals were arrested across the country for their involvement in violent acts, including clashes with law enforcement and vandalism. Multiple cases were filed against PTI leaders, workers, and supporters for their roles in the disturbances.
