LAHORE: Pakistan former foreign minister and senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been declared guilty in seven cases, including terrorism and involvement in the May 9 riots, by a Joint Investigation Team (JIT).
According to local media, Qureshi was found guilty based on conflicting statements and incriminating digital evidence against him. He allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the events of May 9 and was implicated in acts of vandalism during the protests.
The JIT conducted multiple interrogations of Qureshi at Adiala Jail and recorded his statement on three occasions. Subsequently, police have filed a charge sheet in court formally declaring Qureshi guilty in all seven cases.
Earlier, Qureshi had petitioned the court for bail in the May 9 cases, claiming innocence and asserting that the charges against him were politically motivated. His plea highlighted that on May 9, he was in Karachi for his wife’s medical treatment.
The cases against Qureshi include charges related to attacks on Jinnah House, Askari Tower, and Shadman police station among others. The violence erupted nationwide following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, triggering protests in various cities where PTI workers clashed with law enforcement agencies and targeted military installations, including the Corps Commander’s house in Lahore.
It is noted that the PTI founder is the primary accused in all cases related to the May 9 riots.
