Pakistan Anti-Terrorism Court Indicts Ex-Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in May 9 Violence Case

Lahore – On a tense Monday in Lahore, an anti-terrorism court charged Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former foreign minister, in connection with the violent events of May 9 last year. The 68-year-old was brought to Kot Lakhpat jail from Adiala jail in Rawalpindi under heavy security. This indictment is part of a series of cases Qureshi faces related to the May 9 violence, including allegations of arson at the Shadman police station.

As Qureshi stood before Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Khalid Arshad, he faced charges of allegedly abetting the torching of the Shadman police station. Denying the accusations, Qureshi declared the case as fabricated, asserting it was a consequence of his loyalty to PTI leader Imran Khan. Despite his plea of not guilty, the court ordered the prosecution to present witnesses at the next hearing scheduled for July 22.

The timing of Qureshi's indictment was significant, occurring just hours before the Pakistani government announced its intention to ban PTI, citing the party's involvement in anti-state activities. This move underscores the government's increasing pressure on PTI and its leaders following the widespread unrest that erupted on May 9.

The violence of that day, triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan by the Rangers on alleged corruption charges, saw numerous PTI leaders and activists accused of attacking and setting fire to the Shadman police station. The Lahore police registered multiple cases against PTI members, linking them to various violent incidents across the city.

Qureshi, who has been in prison since last year, was also implicated in several other cases related to the May 9 unrest. Earlier this year, he faced indictments in eight additional cases stemming from the same day’s violence. His continued detention is not solely due to these charges; both he and Khan were previously sentenced to ten years in prison for violating the Official Secrets Act by publicizing a diplomatic cable during Khan's tenure as prime minister. Although the Islamabad High Court acquitted them in the Cipher case on June 3, suspending their sentences, they remain incarcerated due to the numerous other charges linked to the May 9 violence.

The May 9 riots marked a significant point of upheaval in Pakistan, with protests breaking out nationwide after Khan’s arrest by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in a 190-million-pound corruption case. Khan, facing over 200 cases, has been imprisoned since August last year. The riots saw PTI supporters targeting various military installations, including the Jinnah House, ISI building in Faisalabad, and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The Pakistani government’s stringent measures against PTI and its leaders, including the recent indictment of Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reflect the ongoing political turbulence and the high stakes for all involved. As the court proceedings continue, the political landscape in Pakistan remains fraught with tension and uncertainty.