Verdict reserved on Sheikh Rashid’s acquittal plea in Zardari remarks case

Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid had accused Asif Zardari of plotting to kill Imran Khan.

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The district and sessions Court in Islamabad has reserved its verdict on Sheikh Rashid's acquittal plea in the case pertaining to his allegations against PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for plotting to assassinate former prime minister Imran Khan.

Civil Judge Yasir Mahmood presided over the session, where Sheikh Rashid appeared alongside his legal team, Express News reported.

Sheikh Rashid's lawyers argued for acquittal, claiming procedural lapses in the filing of the FIR.

Defence counsel argued that the case was filed improperly, citing the precedent of the Shahbaz Gill case, and contended that Sheikh Rashid’s comments involved a private individual, not a public official.

The case arose following a complaint by local Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Raja Inayat, who alleged that Sheikh Rashid's remarks were defamatory and incited unrest.

The police in Islamabad’s Aabpara precinct registered the case, charging Sheikh Rashid under Pakistan Penal Code sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 153-A (promoting enmity), and 505 (statements conducing public mischief).

Following the conclusion of legal arguments, the court reserved its judgement, leaving Sheikh Rashid awaiting the outcome.

Sheikh Rashid initially made his allegations in February 2, claiming that former President Zardari was conspiring to have Imran Khan killed. Rashid was subsequently arrested, prompting the PPP complaint and subsequent legal proceedings.

Previously, the Sindh government filed a petition in the SC challenging the Islamabad High Court's decision to dismiss a case against Awami Muslim League leader Sheikh Rashid.

The case was originally filed over derogatory remarks made by Rashid against Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of PPP and former Foreign Minister.

The Islamabad High Court earlier in June had dismissed similar cases registered against Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid in Sindh and Balochistan for allegedly using derogatory language against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

The Sindh government’s petition argues that the Islamabad High Court’s decision on June 25 was unlawful and should be overturned.

The petition claims that the judge did not properly consider the case during the chamber hearing and failed to apply appropriate judicial mind.

The Sindh government further asserted that Sheikh Rashid’s use of inappropriate language against Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari during a media appearance incited party workers and could lead to political unrest.

The petition also contends that the High Court’s dismissal of the case disregarded the need for further investigation, especially given that Rashid had allegedly admitted to the offense.