The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore has granted bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi on arson charges which were first registered against Qureshi at Shadman Police Station, following the disturbances related to May 9, 2023.
Flashback: The May 9 Protest
Following the arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, protests on May 9 escalated into violence targeting state installations. At the Shadman Police Station alone, reports of property damage, including an arson attack on a police vehicle, triggered a slew of FIRs—many naming prominent PTI leaders, including Qureshi.
Bail Day at Kot Lakhpat Jail
The June 21 hearing was held inside Kot Lakhpat Jail and was heard by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul. Qureshi’s lawyers, Rana Mudassar Umar and Barrister Taimoor Malik maintained that there was no proof and all the allegations were ridiculous, that even if they were to take the allegations seriously, Qureshi was in Karachi attending to his wife.
Following their arguments, the court set bail at Rs 100,000 surety bonds, ordering a further hearing on June 26 to determine final release procedures.
What This Means for PTI
Qureshi’s release brings a moment of relief for PTI, especially as several attempts at bail—including those by former Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema—were successful recently.
According to PTI insiders, Qureshi is also seeking relief in multiple other connected May 9 cases across Punjab and Multan.Once freed, he is expected to resume a more active role in PTI’s legal and political strategy.
Political Ramifications
Analysts say this bail order may serve two purposes: provide PTI with a key spokesperson outside prison walls and reinforce the narrative that the May 9 crackdown has been politically motivated.PTI leaders have insisted the cases were intended to suppress dissent. Supporters contend that Qureshi being granted bail will boost the party’s legal defense team and it may help sway public opinion to their argument that persons of importance are being charged without enough evidence.
Still Facing Multiple Charges
While it is good news, Qureshi still has a long way to go in terms of litigation. He still has charges in a number of other riots-related FIRs in Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi. Legal experts say he will likely need to pursue bail applications on a case-by-case basis, which will probably force Qureshi to make a series of court appearances over a series of weeks or months.
Final Word
The granting of bail to Shah Mahmood Qureshi represents a significant moment for PTI amid ongoing legal battles related to the May 9 unrest. It offers temporary relief and strengthens the party’s public narrative—while reminding observers that Pakistan’s courts remain the primary arena for resolving these politically charged cases.
Qureshi’s return could see a revival of PTI’s courtroom defense strategy and public messaging. Still, with several FIRs still unsettled, his legal team will remain active—as will the political fallout.
