Another relief to Shah Mehmood Qureshi, is a new front being prepared against Imran Khan?

Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has got relief from the court in another case. Earlier on July 22, 2025, he was also acquitted in a case and now he has been acquitted in another case related to May 9 violence.

This continuous relief has raised many political questions. Especially when people from the government had gone to meet him a few days ago.

Big decision in May 9 violence case

Lahore’s Anti-Terrorism Court gave a major verdict in a case related to May 9. The court has sentenced Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmood-ul-Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhary and Omar Sarfaraz Cheema to 10 years each. At the same time, Shah Mahmood Qureshi was acquitted in the same case. This case was related to vandalism at the gate of Government Officers’ Residence (GOR). The decision was given by Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Manzar Ali Gul.

Consecutive acquittals, coincidence or strategy?

There were a total of 33 accused in this case and statements of 41 witnesses were recorded. The court acquitted 13 accused, while sentenced 8. Interestingly, in another May 9 case verdict given in July 2025, Qureshi was also acquitted, while the rest of the PTI leaders were given long sentences. This is the reason why there is now discussion in political circles whether Shah Mahmood Qureshi is being deliberately kept aside?

Meeting with the government and increasing suspicion

Before these court decisions, there were reports that some people associated with the government had come to meet Qureshi. After this, his acquittal in two consecutive cases has further deepened the suspicion. PTI supporters allege that Shah Mehmood Qureshi is being groomed as a safe option to isolate Imran Khan.

What happened on May 9, 2023?

On May 9, 2023, when Imran Khan was arrested by Rangers from the Islamabad High Court complex, violent protests started across the country. These protests led to attacks on military establishments and government properties, following which strict action was taken against PTI leaders and workers.

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