Yasmin Rashid, Qureshi Bail Proceedings Delayed Over Missing Records

RAWALPINDI/LAHORE (Staff Reporter): Anti-Terrorism Courts (ATCs) in Rawalpindi and Lahore on Saturday adjourned proceedings in several cases related to the May 9 riots involving senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid, according to 24NewsHD.

In Rawalpindi, an Anti-Terrorism Court heard 11 cases registered in connection with the May 9 incidents. Former federal minister Sheikh Rashid and other accused appeared before the court to mark their attendance.

Judge Amjad Ali Shah adjourned further proceedings until November 21 and allowed the accused to leave after their attendance was recorded.

Meanwhile, in Lahore, ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul heard post-arrest bail petitions filed by Dr Yasmin Rashid and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in separate cases relating to the May 9 violence.

During the hearing of Yasmin Rashid’s bail applications in two cases, including one concerning the attack on Askari Tower, her counsel Rana Mudassar Umar appeared before the court to present arguments.

However, the prosecution failed to produce the relevant case records. Expressing displeasure over the delay, the court directed the prosecution to submit the required documents at the next hearing scheduled for November 14.

The same court also took up Shah Mahmood Qureshi’s post-arrest bail petition in a case involving the burning of police vehicles near Jinnah House.

His counsel, Rana Mudassar Umar, appeared before the court, while the prosecution requested additional time to submit the case record.

The defence lawyer criticised the prosecution for allegedly delaying the bail proceedings. The court expressed displeasure over the non-production of the record and ordered the prosecution to present the relevant documents at the next hearing on November 14.

The case was registered at Sarwar Road Police Station under FIR No. 108/23. PTI leaders have been accused of inciting party workers to engage in rioting.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi has already been acquitted in six other cases related to the May 9 incidents.