ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions Court in Islamabad has issued a written judgment acquitting Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid, and several other high-profile figures, in connection with the long march riot case.
The written verdict, delivered by Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood, clears Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid, Faisal Vawda, and Sadaqat Abbasi of all charges.
The judgment notes that even if the case had proceeded to trial, there was little prospect of conviction. The prosecution had alleged that between 1,000 and 1,200 PTI workers attacked the police, yet not a single police officer reported injured in the incident. The court found the prosecution’s narrative to be questionable and riddled with inconsistencies.
The ruling emphasized that the plaintiff failed to substantiate the allegations, leading to the acquittal of all accused parties, including Imran Khan, Faisal Vawda, and Sheikh Rashid.
The court also directed that Imran Khan be released from jail, provided he is not facing detention in any other case. Additionally, Shehzad Waseem and Asad Qaiser, who were previously acquitted on February 24, 2024, were confirmed as cleared of charges.
Further, the written judgment extended to Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chauhan, Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Asad Qaiser, Fawad Chaudhry, and Shibli Faraz, all of whom were also acquitted in the case.
In a final order, the court directed that the surety bonds of the accused be returned.
It is important to note that the case against the PTI leadership and others had been registered in August 2022 at Islamabad’s Abpara police station, following allegations related to the violent clashes during the party’s long march.
