In a verdict announced on Tuesday at Kot Lakhat Jail, Lahore, an anti-terrorism court acquitted former foreign minister and PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and six others in the May 9 case, and handed a 10-year prison sentence to nine accused, including senior PTI leaders Dr Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed

The ATC judge announced the verdict inside Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial was being held under tight security.

According to court proceedings, the case pertained to arson and violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mehmoodur Rasheed, and other party workers were accused of inciting violence and damaging public and private property.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Hamza Azeem, and others were acquitted due to lack of evidence.