In a significant decision, the anti-terrorism court has dismissed the bail applications of PTI leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, tied to the fiery May 9 arson and vandalism incident outside a local bakery
Judge Manzar Ali Gul of the ATC delivered the verdict. The defense argued that the allegations brought forth by the police were unfounded, asserting their non-involvement in the arson event. They highlighted that they had been incarcerated since their initial detention and urged for their bail approval.
Conversely, the prosecution vehemently opposed the bail applications, maintaining that the accused parties had been proven culpable during the thorough investigation, and implored the court to dismiss their pleas.
The court conclusively refused the bail applications of former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, ex-Governor of Punjab Omar Sarfraz Cheema, and Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed. The charges against them were officially lodged by the Sarwar Road Police Station.
Meanwhile, in the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad, a separate hearing concerning the May 9 accusations against PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and associates took place, wherein the verdict on his acquittal was awaited. The session was overseen by Judicial Magistrate Shehzad Khan. Representing Qureshi, Advocate Ali Bukhari contended that numerous other defendants had already secured acquittal in this case. He noted that the court had issued acquittals for some accused as of March 8, 2025.
Furthermore, Advocate Ali Bukhari remarked that Qureshi faces accusations of provoking vandalism through instructions conveyed via a video message from the PTI founder, with related charges filed at the Tarnol Police Station.