Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Arrested In Eight Additional Cases Linked To May 9 Riots

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Vice-Chairman and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi faces new legal troubles as he has been arrested in connection with eight additional cases stemming from the May 9 riots. Qureshi, aged 67, was initially arrested in August of the previous year and has since been implicated in the May 9 riots, which occurred a year after nationwide protests involving attacks on civil and military installations.

Following his recent arrest by the Lahore Police, a local court has granted a three-day physical remand for Qureshi. However, due to security concerns, the court has denied the investigation team’s request to transfer him to Lahore. Instead, the investigation officer has been permitted to interrogate Qureshi at Adiala Jail within three days, during which time he remains on physical remand.

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Earlier attempts by a special police team to arrest and question Qureshi based on an FIR from Police Station Sarwar Road were rejected by the Anti Terrorism Court in Lahore. The court instructed the police to present Qureshi via video link on May 27, citing security concerns.

The PTI has expressed dismay over the additional charges against Qureshi, asserting that he had already been granted bail in these cases. They accuse the authorities of intentionally disregarding the court’s orders to keep him detained. The party spokesperson attributed Qureshi’s predicament to his allegiance to PTI’s founder and criticized the escalating lawlessness in the country. The party has vowed to take all necessary measures against what they perceive as a severe action.