Latest news with #ShahMahmoodQureshi
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands of ID cards, passports blocked over involvement in May 9 riots
Listen to article Passports and national identity cards of thousands of individuals linked to the May 9, 2023, riots have been blocked. More than 5,500 citizens from Lahore and other cities and towns across Punjab have had their passports blacklisted, officials from the Department of Passport and Immigration told local media. The revelation came a day after Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad convicted and sentenced 11 accused to various jail terms and fines in cases related to the violence on May 9, 2023, over charges of attacking the Ramna police station, attacking policemen, setting properties on fire, and spreading terrorism. May 9 cases refer to the violent attacks on state installations in 2023 following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan over corruption charges. Several people were arrested in these cases, which were tried and convicted by military courts as well as ATCs in different cities. Read More: 19 convicted in May 9 riots granted pardon Regarding the blocking of passports and national identity cards, sources said names were flagged based on geo-fencing data, which captured mobile or landline numbers detected near protest sites. In many cases, this data alone led to individuals being added to the blacklist, even without direct evidence of involvement. Some of those affected have submitted proof of innocence to police and law enforcement agencies. However, their names remain on the blacklist, prompting hundreds to file legal challenges in court. The Lahore High Court has taken up dozens of such cases and summoned passport officials along with relevant records. In several hearings, officials have submitted documents confirming the blacklisting of passports. Read More: Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid indicted in May 9 riots case During proceedings, it emerged that many individuals worked in nearby government or private offices and had only made calls to family members during the unrest, but were still flagged due to their mobile phone location data. In court filings, the Passport and Immigration Department stated that it does not hold the authority to add or remove names from the blacklist. That power, it said, rests with the Ministry of Interior, which manages both the blacklist and the Exit Control List (ECL). The ministry has reportedly placed names on the blacklist for any degree of involvement in the May 9 events. Those whose passports have expired cannot renew them until their names are cleared. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. Also Read: Won't allow May 9 mayhem happen again In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, citing constitutional concerns.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Qureshi moved to hospital after chest pain
PTI senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on Saturday after suffering chest pain, officials said. The PTI leader was moved to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) shortly after dawn. Qureshi, who has been in custody since August 2023, experienced discomfort following Fajr prayers. Prison doctors conducted an initial assessment, but his condition did not improve, prompting a transfer via Rescue 1122, according to his lawyer, Rana Mudassar.
Express Tribune
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Shah Mahmood Qureshi moved to hospital after chest pain in jail
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was transferred from Kot Lakhpat Jail to Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) on Saturday after suffering chest pain, officials said. Shah Mahmood Qureshi was moved to the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) shortly after dawn. Qureshi, who has been in custody since August 2023, experienced discomfort following Fajr prayers. Prison doctors conducted an initial assessment, but his condition did not improve, prompting a transfer via Rescue 1122, according to his lawyer, Rana Mudassar. Hospital staff provided immediate medical attention and conducted several diagnostic tests to assess his condition. No further update on his status has been released. The PTI vice-president is facing several charges related to the May 9, 2023 riots. In July 2024, he was indicted by an anti-terrorism court in a case concerning the alleged attack and arson at Shadman police station. Previously held at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, Qureshi was moved to Kot Lakhpat Jail last year due to logistical concerns over frequent court appearances in Lahore. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Express Tribune
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'Grand alliance against govt in the offing'
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) incarcerated leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that all major parties were endorsing the PTI stance and that a grand opposition alliance was expected to form soon. In an informal conversation with the media on Wednesday, the PTI vice chairman said politicians like Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Miftah Ismail, Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Maulana Fazlur Rehman were also supporting the PTI stance. He predicted that Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shehbaz would be acquitted in all cases. He pointed out that the appointments of judges should have been delayed till the conclusion of petitions challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The former foreign minister also criticized the government on briefing the IMF mission on internal affairs.
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid indicted in May 9 riots case
Listen to article An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore on Monday indicted 21 individuals, including senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Dr Yasmin Rashid, in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots. The charges relate to the violent protests that occurred after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, including the alleged torching of a container at Kalma Chowk. The indictment was announced by Lahore ATC Judge Arshad Javed during a hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail, where Qureshi denied the charges. The court adjourned the hearing until February 17 and summoned prosecution witnesses. The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following Khan's arrest in connection with the £190 million settlement case. PTI workers and leaders were arrested for their involvement in the protests, which targeted both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalize pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has strongly opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, citing constitutional concerns.
