An anti-terrorism court in Lahore on Friday announced its verdict in a case linked to the May 9, 2023 arson and violence, acquitting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi due to lack of evidence, sources said.

The court found Qureshi not guilty after concluding that the prosecution failed to substantiate the charges against him.

In the same case, the court sentenced Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, Ejaz Chaudhry and Umar Sarfraz Cheema to 10 years’ imprisonment each.

During the trial, final statements of 21 accused, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, were recorded.

The prosecution produced 56 witnesses before the court. Four accused were declared absconders during the proceedings.

The case stems from nationwide violent protests that erupted on May 9, 2023, following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan by Rangers personnel from the Islamabad High Court premises.

The protests included attacks on public and military installations, prompting a countrywide crackdown.

Subsequently, several PTI leaders and workers were arrested in connection with multiple cases registered over the unrest.