In a major decision on the May 9 riots case, an anti-terrorism court on Tuesday acquitted Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while Dr. Yasmin Rashid was sentenced to 10 years in jail for her role in the violent protests.
The case is related to the May 9 incidents when protests broke out after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and several government and military buildings were attacked across Pakistan.
According to court officials, there wasn’t enough evidence against Qureshi, so he was set free. However, the court found Yasmin Rashid guilty of inciting violence and damaging public property during the protests in Lahore.
The verdict sparked mixed reactions. PTI supporters celebrated Qureshi’s release but were shocked by the tough sentence handed to Yasmin Rashid, a senior leader and doctor by profession.
PTI leaders called the decision “unjust and politically motivated,” while government officials welcomed the court’s ruling, saying it shows that no one is above the law.
Legal experts believe this ruling could have a big impact on other May 9 cases still under trial in various cities.
