On Monday, the Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) formally indicted 21 senior PTI leaders in cases related to the countrywide rioting on May 9, 2023, registered at the Racecourse and Sarwar Road police stations. The indicted individuals include Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Ejaz Chaudhry, Dr Yasmin Rashid, and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.
Following the detention of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and the former prime minister of Pakistan, in a corruption case last year, nationwide demonstrations ensued. The state subsequently initiated a severe assault on his party, resulting in the arrest of thousands of PTI workers and nearly the entire top-tier leadership. Many of these individuals are still facing court proceedings on significant charges.
Qureshi was implicated in at least 12 distinct cases registered by the district police in connection with the May 9 violence in December 2023. Dr. Rashid was apprehended in May 2023, mere hours after the Lahore High Court had ordered her release, along with 17 other female party activists who were detained under the Maintenance of Public Order. Chaudhry was also re-arrested in May 2023, following the judgment of the Islamabad High Court that had ordered his release.
In May 2023, the Anti-Corruption Establishment reportedly apprehended the former Punjab governor during a raid on his residence. He has been in custody ever since.
During the ATC trial at Kot Lakhpat Jail, a total of 21 suspects were formally accused today. Advocate Burhan Muazzam Malik represented the four PTI stalwarts, who unanimously denied the charges.
The court has summoned the case witnesses to depose at the upcoming hearing on November 25.
The senior PTI leaders issued a handwritten statement, a copy of which is available on Dawn.com, in which they reiterated their devotion to Imran and condemned the government’s actions.
Qureshi wrote, “The government is employing deceptive strategies to prevent our rally.” “A political lockdown has been declared for November 22, 23, and 24, in response to the smog.”
He encouraged party members to disregard the government’s assertions and attend the PTI’s Islamabad power show on November 24. He further stated, “We are all united under the leadership of Imran Khan.”
Dr. Rashid stated that bond plea judgments were not made, despite the passage of a year and a half.
She wrote, “Excuses are being made and delays are being taken.” “If there was any evidence, it would have been presented against us.”
Chaudhry stated that he was prohibited from attending sessions at parliament, despite his status as a senator. “We have never been able to be broken by any adversity, and we will not be. He also stated that the state’s oppression would be terminated.
In the interim, Cheema asserted that the state was abusing anti-terrorism legislation.
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