Sheikh Rashid doubts Imran Khan's release amid current climate

Former federal minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid has dismissed any possibility of the release of incarcerated former premier and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, calling it an unrealistic expectation

Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday, Rashid stated, "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.

"Shehbaz Sharif stated the budget is of IMF and they have drafted it," he remarked on the recent budget.

"The nation will not wait for any leader. There is hunger everywhere. This is the poor man's fight. Poverty is from the throat to the sky," he said, suggesting that the economic situation in the country is dire.

Yesterday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed similar cases against Rashid in Sindh and Balochistan for allegedly using derogatory language against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

On June 17, Rashid criticised PM Shehbaz's government, claiming it left 240 million people "hanging on bare electric wires," as they struggled to pay their electricity bills.

“People cannot afford to pay their electricity bills or school fees. Inflation is so high that even sacrificial offerings have significantly decreased.”