LAHORE: The Anti-Terrorism Court Lahore has ordered the release of former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in two cases of the May violence cases and has directed the Superintendent Jail that if the accused is not wanted in any other case, he should be released immediately.
This order was issued by ATC Lahore Judge Manzar Ali Gul. While acquitting Shah Mehmood Qureshi in both cases, the court clarified that the release order will be applicable only if he is not under detention in any other case.
These cases were related to the arson incident at Shadman Town police station in Lahore and the violent incident outside Rahat Bakery, which took place during the nationwide protests of May 9, 2023.
After Imran Khan’s arrest from the premises of the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Qadir Trust case on May 9, 2023, PTI staged nationwide protests. Besides burning down the PML-N office on May 9, military, civil and private installations were set on fire, causing severe damage to government and private property, while at least 8 people were killed and 290 injured.
The protesters also stormed the residence of the Corps Commander in Lahore, also known as Jinnah House, and broke a gate of the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
After this, 1900 people involved in clashes, vandalism and arson with law enforcement agencies across the country were arrested, while cases were also registered against Imran Khan and his party leaders and workers.
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