Imran, Qureshi, others acquitted in Azadi March vandalism cases

PTI leaders were booked over violation of Section 144

ISLAMABAD:

A district and sessions court of Islamabad acquitted on Monday PTI founder Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Murad Saeed, and other party leaders in two cases of vandalism during the Haqeeqi Azaadi March.

Judicial Magistrate Ehtesham Alam heard the case filed against the PTI leadership booked on charges of vandalism and violation of Section 144.

PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan and Asad Umar appeared before the court while all others had filed acquittal pleas. In a sigh of relief to party leaders facing multiple cases, the court acquitted the PTI leaders.

Golra police station had booked leaders of the former ruling party over violation of Section 144 imposed during PTI’s Azadi March.

PTI leaders booked

On May 27, 2022, the Islamabad police filed separate cases against 150 people including Imran Khan as well as other party leaders over allegations of arson and vandalism in the federal capital a day earlier.

The footage of the Safe City cameras and those from private TV news channels was included in the challans of the cases as evidence. At least 39 people were taken into custody after identification from the footage.

Imran launched a march toward Islamabad to topple the coalition government that assumed power after he was ousted as the premier following a vote of no confidence.

The rally was part of the PTI’s struggle to achieve “real freedom” and deliver the nation from the “slavery” of the “US-backed” coalition government.

Imran accused the coalition government of coming to power through a "US-backed conspiracy".

Imran cleared in long march cases

Earlier, a judicial magistrate of Islamabad also acquitted Imran in two cases pertaining to vandalism during the party’s two long marches in 2022.

Judicial magistrate Shaista Kundi heard the pleas filed by Imran for his acquittal in the cases registered at Islamabad's Lohi Bhair and Sahala police stations and one related to his production in the court.

During the hearing, Imran's counsel Naeem Panjotha contended that all the cases against the ex-premier were limited to the extent of “orders“.

“He [Imran) was booked in multiple cases in a single day. He was framed in the same role,” he added.

The lawyer informed the magistrate that the complainant was an SHO, who he argued lacked the authority to lodge cases.

“The cases also do not include the statements of witnesses.”

Panjotha maintained that neither a notification was issued nor the PTI was informed about the enforcement of Section 144.