The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has formally indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mehmood Qureshi and 20 other individuals in connection with the planning of the violent events that occurred on May 9, 2023. The indictment was issued during a hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail.
The case stems from nationwide protests and violence that erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9. PTI supporters led the protests, which escalated into clashes, vandalism, and arson. In response, authorities arrested around 1,900 individuals suspected of involvement and filed cases against several PTI leaders and workers.
During the proceedings, the ATC framed formal charges against Shah Mehmood Qureshi and fellow PTI leaders Ejaz Chaudhry, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, and others, based on a case registered at the Race Course Police Station. The court has also summoned witnesses for the next hearing.
This development highlights the government’s increased efforts to crack down on PTI leaders and participants allegedly involved in the May 9 incidents, with the ATC playing a key role in handling these cases. The trial is expected to attract significant attention in the coming weeks.
