ATC to announce verdict in May 9 Club Chowk GOR gate attack case tomorrow

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore has reserved its verdict in the high-profile case concerning the attack on the Club Chowk GOR gate during the May 9 tragedy. The court is scheduled to pronounce the verdict tomorrow at 2 pm in broad daylight.

During Thursday’s hearing at Kot Lakhpat Jail, the accused recorded their final statements while their lawyers completed closing arguments. A total of 25 accused were included in the challan, while four others became absconders during the trial. The proceedings also saw the presence of several high-profile figures, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Umar Sarfraz Cheema, Ijaz Chaudhry, and Mian Mahmood Rashid.

The case pertains to the violent attack on the Club Chowk GOR gate, in which security cameras were broken, windows of the police wireless and gate were damaged, government property was vandalized, and police officers were assaulted. PTI leader Hammad Azhar is accused of leading the mob, while other PTI leaders are alleged to have incited workers during the May 9 uprising and riots.

A total of 56 witnesses testified during the trial, which was registered at Race Course police station. Following the completion of final arguments, ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul reserved the verdict, bringing the case one step closer to its conclusion.

Reporter: Jamaluddin Jamali