A district and sessions court in Islamabad acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan, ex-Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid, and other prominent leaders on Wednesday. Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood dismissed charges of Section 144 violations, along with breaches of the Amplifier Act and other regulations.
The acquittal clears all defendants in a case initially filed on August 20, 2022, at the Aabpara police station. The charges were related to alleged violations of public order during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demonstrations.
Key Figures Attend Court Hearing
Sheikh Rashid appeared in court to hear the verdict, while representatives were present on behalf of other accused leaders, including Asad Qaiser, Saifullah Niazi, Sadaqat Abbasi, Faisal Javed, and Ali Nawaz. The court’s decision to acquit was welcomed by PTI members and marked a legal victory for the party’s senior leadership.
During the hearing, defense lawyers argued that the charges were baseless and lacked substantial evidence. They stated that the gatherings were peaceful and that PTI leaders did not violate public order intentionally. Following the arguments, the court ruled in favor of the defendants, effectively dismissing all charges.
Separate Case Against Asad Qaiser
On the same day, the Islamabad court also held a separate hearing concerning former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser. This case, tied to vandalism allegations during the PTI long march, remains unresolved.
Qaiser’s lawyer, Ayesha Khalid, requested her client’s exemption from personal appearance, citing scheduling constraints. She also argued for Qaiser’s acquittal, asserting that there was no evidence linking him to acts of vandalism or incitement during the protest. Following the submissions, Magistrate Yasir Mahmood reserved his decision, with the verdict expected later in the day.
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Background
The long march vandalism case against Asad Qaiser also originated from the Aabpara police station. Authorities allege that Qaiser, along with other PTI members, incited supporters to damage public property during the protest. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Qaiser’s role as a former speaker and his association with PTI’s leadership.
PTI Leaders Respond to Legal Victories
Following the acquittal of Imran Khan and other key figures, PTI members expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. PTI spokespersons have criticized the cases as politically motivated, asserting that party leaders exercised their constitutional rights to protest. Sheikh Rashid, speaking outside the courtroom, called the acquittal a victory for justice and reiterated PTI’s stance on peaceful political expression.
The acquittal marks a significant moment for PTI as it faces several legal challenges involving its top leaders. The dismissal of charges in this case may influence ongoing legal proceedings, potentially strengthening PTI’s defense in similar matters. However, with the reserved decision in Qaiser’s vandalism case, PTI leaders remain under scrutiny.
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