An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday sentenced several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to 10 years in prison in connection with the Sherpao Bridge arson and rioting case. Among those convicted are senior leaders Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, Ijaz Chaudhry, Ali Hassan, Afzal Azeem Pahat, Umar Sarfraz, Khalid Qayyum, and Riaz Hussain.
The verdict was announced at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where the trial was held under tight security. The court had earlier reserved its judgment after recording statements from 61 prosecution witnesses. ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul presided over the proceedings.
Former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and PTI leader Hamza Azeem were acquitted due to lack of evidence, along with five other accused, including Rana Tanveer, Iftikhar, Ziad, Azaz Rafiq, and Hamza Pahat.
A total of 14 PTI leaders had been named in the case, which stemmed from the violent protests and vandalism that followed the arrest of Imran Khan in May 2023. The prosecution alleged the accused incited and participated in setting public property on fire.
The PTI has called the decision politically motivated and plans to challenge the verdict in a higher court. The case marks another legal blow to the embattled party.
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