140 PTI workers acquitted in pre-election rally case

At least 140 workers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been acquitted in a case related to holding a rally before the general elections.

The case was heard by Judicial Magistrate Salman Nadir, who issued a two-page written verdict, clearing all the accused of the charges.

The court order detailed that a case had been registered against PTI leader Irfan Saleem, other known individuals, and 130 unidentified persons. The incident in question occurred on January 1, 2024, when PTI workers organized a rally on Ring Road, leading to a case being filed by the local police station’s SHO.

The court found that the accused were neither arrested at the scene nor was any incriminating material recovered from them. Furthermore, there were no complaints from local residents regarding road blockades.

The records also indicated that there was no arson or vandalism during the protest, highlighting that the demonstration was peaceful and within the constitutional rights of the participants.

In his verdict, Magistrate Salman stated that the acquittal was based on the lack of evidence against the accused. The court emphasized that peaceful protest is a constitutional right and, in the absence of any substantial evidence of wrongdoing, the charges could not be upheld.