An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has issued a detailed written verdict in two cases related to arson and vandalism in the Gulberg area during the May 9 unrest, holding senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders responsible for inciting public disorder.

According to the verdict, the court sentenced Mian Mahmoodur Rashid under multiple sections, awarding separate punishments that cumulatively amount to 33 years in prison and a fine of Rs600,000.

The court also sentenced Dr Yasmin Rashid, Umar Sarfraz Cheema and Ejaz Chaudhry to 10 years’ imprisonment each after finding the charges against them proved. The verdict stated that the presence of these leaders in meetings linked to the conspiracy was established during the trial.

In contrast, the court acquitted 23 accused due to lack of evidence. Overall, seven accused, including senior party leaders, were convicted and awarded prison terms.

In its written order, the court noted that the prosecution had argued that four leaders, including Dr Yasmin, played a role in spreading unrest among the public. The prosecution presented WhatsApp messages, details of 70 social media accounts and forensic reports as part of the evidence.

The verdict said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) had declared the accused guilty and that the findings of the JIT were not challenged by the accused before any forum.

While the accused maintained their innocence in their final statements, the court ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved its case.

The court also recalled that on December 20, verdicts in two other May 9 cases were announced at Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, in which Dr Yasmin, Ejaz Chaudhry, Mian Mahmood and Umar Cheema were each sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The May 9, 2023, violence erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan by Rangers from the Islamabad High Court premises.

The protests turned violent, with attacks reported on military installations and other state property, leading to widespread arrests of PTI leaders and workers nationwide.