Judgment reserved on PTI leaders acquittal pleas in Azadi March case

ISLAMABAD: Judicial Magistrate Malik Muhammad Imran Thursday reserved judgment on the acquittal pleas of PTI founder chairman Imran Khan, Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, among others, in cases registered against them in connection with the Haqeeqi Azaadi March. The judgment will be announced on June 6.

The magistrate heard the acquittal pleas. Sheikh Rashid, a former PTI ally and Awami Muslim League chief, appeared before the court.

The judge said he would decide on the petitions after hearing the pleas. The co-accused include PTI leaders Ali Nawaz Awan and Sadaqat Abbasi, party lawyers Sardar Masroof Advocate, Amna Ali, Rizwan Akhtar Awan, and Mirza Asim Advocate. They were present during the hearing. Advocate Sardar argued that the acquittal plea was filed in February last year, insisting that he wished to present his arguments.

The judge said the court had received the challans for Sadaqat Abbasi, Ali Nawaz Awan, and Sheikh Rashid. The FIR was registered for violation of Section 144. There is no evidence in this case and no CCTV footage.

The case has not been registered by any person concerned. Other leaders booked in the Azadi March case at the I-9 police station include the now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and party leader Asad Qaiser. Some other accused include ex-PTI leaders Pervez Khattak and Asad Umar. The court issued notices to the parties and adjourned the hearing till June 6.