A local court in Islamabad has acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other senior leaders, including Sheikh Rashid and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in the case stemming from the Azadi March. Judicial Magistrate Malik Muhammad Imran delivered the verdict, clearing not only the PTI leaders but also Sadaqat Abbasi, Ali Nawaz Awan, Shehryar Khan Afridi, and other party members of all charges related to alleged violations of Section 144 and acts of vandalism.
The case dates back to 2022 when it was initially registered at Islamabad’s I-9 police station. The PTI leaders were accused of breaching Section 144 regulations and engaging in destructive activities during the Azadi March. The court’s decision to acquit them marks a significant turn in the legal saga that has surrounded PTI’s political actions.
During the events of May 9, 2022, PTI leader Shehryar Khan Afridi and several party workers were charged with arson and vandalism. However, the recent court ruling has absolved them of these allegations, citing insufficient evidence or lack of substantiation for the charges.
Footage from Safe City cameras and private TV news channels played a pivotal role in the legal proceedings, serving as critical evidence against the accused. The footage purportedly identified individuals involved in the alleged acts of violence and led to the filing of cases against 150 people, including prominent PTI figures.
Imran Khan’s Azadi March was launched as a protest movement aimed at toppling the coalition government that came into power following his ousting as Prime Minister via a vote of no confidence. The rally was a culmination of PTI’s efforts to reclaim what they termed as “real freedom” from a government they accused of being backed by foreign influences, particularly the United States.
Judicial Magistrate Ehtesham Alam presided over the hearings related to charges of vandalism and Section 144 violations against PTI leaders. While PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan and Asad Umar appeared before the court, others submitted pleas seeking acquittal. The court’s decision to clear all accused parties has been perceived as a relief for PTI leaders amidst ongoing legal challenges.
The acquittal of PTI leaders in the Azadi March case has sparked varied reactions across political circles and among the general public. Supporters of PTI view the verdict as a vindication of their leaders’ stance against perceived injustices and foreign interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. Critics, however, argue that the decision may undermine the rule of law and accountability for political actions.
