Another major victory for the former ruling party came on Thursday when a local court acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founders Imran Khan, Sheikh Rasheed and Shah Mahmood Qureshi in the Azadi March case. Apart from acquitting Sadaqat Abbasi and Ali Nawaz Awan of all charges, the verdict was delivered by Judicial Magistrate Malik Muhammad Imran. Initially filed at the I-9 police station in Islamabad in 2022, the case accused PTI officials of violating Article 144 and indulging in acts of sabotage.
In a separate verdict, the court acquitted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf leader Shehryar Khan Afridi and other party members accused of arson and vandalism on May 9. Legal case of PTI members. Footage from Safe City cameras and private TV news networks was submitted as evidence in court files. At least 39 people were arrested after they were identified from the video.
After being removed as prime minister by a no-confidence vote, Imran marched on Islamabad in an attempt to overthrow the ruling coalition government. The PTI organized the rally as part of its campaign to free the country from the “slavery” of the coalition government and bring “real freedom”.
PTI leaders Ali Muhammad Khan and Asad Umar appeared in the court while all others filed acquittal pleas. The court acquitted the PTI leaders in a sigh of relief for the party leaders who were facing multiple cases.
