On July 22, 2025, a Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) sentenced several leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, and Senator Ejaz Chaudhry, to ten years in prison for their involvement in the riots that occurred on May 9, 2023 erupted following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. In contrast, the court acquitted former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and five others, including Hamza Azim.
The verdict was delivered following hearings at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where evidence and arguments were examined. Khan is the main accused in all cases from May 9.
The ATC convicted eight individuals for vandalism and arson at Sherpao Bridge. Those sentenced include Yasmin Rashid, Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry, Ali Hassan, Afzal Azeem, Khalid Qayyum, Riaz Hussain, and former Punjab Governor Umar Sarfraz Cheema. Meanwhile, Qureshi and several others were cleared of charges due to insufficient evidence.
یہ جدوجہد اقتدار کی نہیں، یہ ضمیر جگانے کی جنگ ہے۔⁰یہ انقلاب نہیں، یہ آنے والے بہتر پاکستان کی بنیاد ہے۔⁰⁰ڈاکٹر یاسمین راشد – قوم آپ پر فخر کرتی ہے، آپ ہماری امید کی علامت ہیں۔#زنجیریں_توڑ_کر_نکلیں_گے @MaauraMD pic.twitter.com/ju7lfiEkXF
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 23, 2025Read: ATC Sentences PTI’s Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar to 10 Years in May 9 Riots Case
The riots erupted after Khan’s arrest in a graft case. PTI supporters attacked sites like Jinnah House and GHQ in Rawalpindi. The military labelled it a “Black Day” and prosecuted under the Army Act. In December 2024, military courts convicted 25, including Khan’s nephew, and later sentenced 60 more. In January 2025, 19 received pardons, but PTI criticised the limited scope.
On the same day, a Sargodha ATC sentenced Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bachar and 32 PTI workers to 10 years for Mianwali riots, per Judge Muhammad Naeem Sheikh.
PTI’s Moeen Riaz Qureshi called it a “black day for democracy,” alleging fabricated evidence. The party plans to appeal. Rana Shahbaz Ahmad vowed resilience: “We stand firm for our cause.” The ATC’s mixed verdict fuels PTI’s claims of political targeting. Appeals and ongoing cases will shape the narrative.
