Imran acquitted in vandalism case

Court finds prosecution's case against ex-PM weak

ISLAMABAD:

An Islamabad judicial magistrate acquitted on Tuesday Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and other accused in the long march vandalism case due to insufficient evidence.

In a detailed three-page verdict, Judicial Magistrate Shehzad Khan stated that the court thoroughly reviewed the case record and found the prosecution's case weak, as the accusations placed equal blame on all the accused without substantial evidence.

The judgment noted that the acquittal of Asad Umar in the same vandalism case had set a key precedent.

It argued that the petitioners could have claimed that the lack of evidence against both Asad Umar and the others was a similar situation. This, the court ruled, is a critical point for the acquittal of Imran, Gandapur, and other accused.

The court further observed that the prosecution had not provided direct evidence that could establish the involvement of the PTI founder, Gandapur, or others in the crime. Additionally, no call data records or witness testimonies linking the accused to the vandalism were submitted, and the statements of the co-accused were also absent from the case.

The prosecution did not challenge Asad Umar's acquittal, which further weakened the case against the PTI founder and the others.

Based on the available record, the court concluded that there was a minimal chance of proving their guilt. Continuing the trial under such circumstances, the judgment said, would be a waste of judicial time.

Therefore, Imran Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, and other accused have been acquitted in the case due to a lack of evidence.

Decision on medical examination today

Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued a notice to the superintendent of Adiala Jail, seeking a response to a request for a medical check-up from Imran's personal physicians.

Hearing the case, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, remarked that a decision would be made on Wednesday (today).

Advocate Khalid Yousaf appeared before the court, representing the PTI founder.

During the proceedings, Justice Aurangzeb directed the superintendent of Adiala Jail to submit a reply by today. However, the state counsel informed the court that the PTI founder is already being examined three times a day by medical professionals.

Furthermore, on October 15, a medical board from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) also conducted a check-up.

The court questioned why the check-up by Dr Faisal from Shaukat Khanum was not satisfactory.

Justice Aurangzeb remarked that the court would announce a decision on Wednesday after the response of the superintendent of Adiala Jail.

It is pertinent to note that Imran Khan on Monday filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, seeking permission for regular medical examination by his personal physicians.

In his petition, Imran expressed concern over his health, particularly given his age, and alleged that jail authorities are denying him access to his trusted medical team.