Former federal minister Fawad Chaudhry has been acquitted in a May 9-related case after the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad noted that he was present at the premiere of the film ‘Money Back Guarantee’ on the day of the incident. The court, in its written verdict, confirmed that Fawad was the chief guest at the event, and thus not involved in the alleged activities.

Reacting to the decision, Fawad Chaudhry expressed gratitude to the film’s director and producer, Faisal Qureshi, for providing testimony confirming his presence at the film premiere. He said that their statement, along with other documentary evidence, clearly proved that he was not in Lahore at the time of the unrest.

Also Read: Top PTI leadership sentenced to 10 years in May 9 case

Fawad also thanked his legal team, including advocates Ali Ramey, Mian Ali Haider, and Najeeb Faisal Chaudhry, for their efforts. However, he added that the moment was not one to celebrate, as many close friends and party members remained in custody. He expressed hope that justice would prevail for all political prisoners, including PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

Meanwhile, ATC Judge Javed Iqbal Sheikh delivered verdicts in three separate cases linked to the May 9 riots. The court sentenced 196 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders and workers, including National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz, MNA Zartaj Gul, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza, to up to 10 years in prison.

However, 88 individuals, including Fawad Chaudhry, Zain Qureshi, and Khayal Kastro, were acquitted due to lack of evidence or confirmed absence from the scene.

The court s rulings mark a significant development in the legal proceedings related to the May 9 incidents, which have led to widespread political and legal ramifications across the country.