Imran’s release unrealistic expectatation: Sheikh Rashid

RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has dismissed any possibility of the release of incarcerated former premier Imran Khan calling it an unrealistic expectation.

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, Rashid stated that under the current conditions, Imran Khan will not be freed. Only a fool would think about the release of the PTI founder from jail, he added.

Commenting on the charges against the PTI supremo, the former minister predicted that the Supreme Court (SC) might offer significant relief.

The AML chief further criticised the current economic policies, highlighting a statement from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reported statement

that the budget was compiled on directions of the IMF. There is hunger and poverty everywhere and the poor will not wait for any leader to lead their fight.

Earlier, Special Anti-Terrorism Court, Rawalpindi judge Malik Ijaz Asif conducted the hearing of the May 9 cases. Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq (Rashid’s nephew), Zartaj Gul, and Rashid Hafeez appeared before the ATC. PTI founder Imran Khan’s legal team represented the former premier. Attendance of the accused was marked in a makeshift court inside Adiala Jail.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till July 15 without proceedings. On Tuesday, the Islamabad High Court had dismissed cases against Sheikh Rashid in Sindh and Balochistan for allegedly using derogatory language against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.