Court Acquits Qureshi in Two Arson Cases
An anti-terrorism court in Lahore has acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in two cases stemming from the violent events of May 9, 2023. The court ordered his release, provided he is not wanted or detained in any other case.
According to the written judgment, the court also issued formal instructions to the prison superintendent to ensure the release is implemented. Qureshi had been facing charges related to incidents of arson and property damage outside a bakery in Lahore’s Shadman Town area during nationwide protests that erupted after the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
The May 9 Protests and Violence
On May 9, 2023, Pakistan witnessed widespread unrest following Khan’s detention by the National Accountability Bureau. PTI supporters took to the streets in multiple cities. Many demonstrations turned violent, leading to attacks on public and private property, government buildings, and military installations.
In Lahore’s Shadman Town, police registered cases alleging that PTI members set fire to vehicles and commercial properties. Qureshi was accused of instigating and facilitating the violence. He denied the charges, claiming the cases were politically motivated.
Conditional Release Order
While acquitting Qureshi in these two cases, the court made clear that his release was conditional. He will only be freed if he is not wanted in any other legal matter. This condition reflects the broader reality for several PTI leaders who face multiple cases across the country.
The court’s formal letter to the jail authorities emphasized that compliance with the order depends on verification from other law enforcement bodies.
Other PTI Leaders Sentenced This Week
The ruling comes just a day after the same anti-terrorism court convicted several senior PTI figures in connection with the same May 9 incidents.
On Monday, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and Ejaz Chaudhry were each sentenced to ten years in prison. They were also fined Rs 600,000 each, and their properties were ordered to be seized.
These convictions were part of a series of prosecutions aimed at addressing the violence that erupted during the protests. Authorities say the sentences are intended to send a strong message against politically motivated unrest.
Broader Political and Legal Context
The May 9 events have become a major turning point in Pakistan’s political landscape. The government has treated the violence as a national security threat, while PTI has accused authorities of using the unrest as a pretext for a crackdown on dissent.
Hundreds of PTI workers and leaders have been arrested over the past year. Many face charges under anti-terrorism laws, which carry heavy penalties and allow for extended pre-trial detention.
Analysts note that the acquittal of Qureshi in two cases may not significantly change his legal challenges. He still faces other cases that could keep him in custody. However, the ruling does mark a legal victory for PTI, which has been under intense political and judicial pressure.
Significance of the Court’s Decision
Legal experts say the acquittal highlights the importance of evidence-based prosecution, especially in politically charged cases. The court’s conditional release order suggests a cautious approach, balancing judicial independence with the realities of ongoing investigations.
For PTI supporters, the decision offers a glimmer of hope in a period marked by heavy legal setbacks. For the government, however, it underscores the challenge of securing convictions that withstand judicial scrutiny.
With Pakistan’s political climate still tense, and general elections looming, court rulings in high-profile cases like this one are likely to remain a focal point of public debate.
