MQM-P’s Waseem Akhtar acquitted in sedition cases

Waseem’s counsel argued that his client only responded to questions on TV show with no inciting remarks

KARACHI:

Former Karachi mayor and MQM-P leader Waseem Akhtar was acquitted by the Special Anti-Terrorism Court on Wednesday in two sedition cases involving accusations of inciting against state institutions on a TV program.

Karachi's ATC heard two cases concerning accusations of incitement against the MQM-P leader.

The complainant’s lawyer argued that Waseem Akhtar made statements in a TV show that showed hatred and incitement against state institutions, attempting to provoke the public.

Waseem’s counsel Shaukat Hayat Advocate stated that Waseem Akhtar's statements during the program did not provoke anyone.

He added Waseem simply responded to questions asked stating that complainants in both cases were not directly the affected parties.

Following the arguments the court acquitted former Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar in both cases.

According to the prosecution, these cases were filed against Akhtar in 2015 by Sohrab Goth and Site Superhighway Police.