RAWALPINDI:Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief and former federal minister Sheikh Rashid demanded the formation of a judicial commission to probe the events of May 9 or “immediate sentencing” in the cases he is nominated as accused.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Rashid expressed his frustration with the prolonged legal proceedings, stating that he has been subjected to constant delays and harassment for the past two years.
The former minister accused the authorities of raiding his house, abducting children, and seizing ornaments and money.He lamented the state of justice in the country, claiming it has become a joke. “Form a judicial commission on May 9 or sentence us immediately,” he maintained.
The former federal minister claimed that there is no evidence against him and his associates.”We will feel better if we are punished,” he said.
Rashid also expressed uncertainty regarding whether he would meet incarcerated former premier Imran Khan during the next court appearance. Criticizing the current government, he likened it to a malfunctioning vehicle.
Referring to recent protests in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) against the regional government’s alleged failure to implement an agreement promising economic relief to the people, the ex-minister said, “People [in Pakistan] will protest like Kashmiris.”
On April 24, Rashid filed three constitutional petitions seeking his acquittal on the grounds of insufficient evidence in the cases about the May 9 incidents.The court accepted his petitions for a hearing, issued a police notice, and adjourned the proceedings until May 29.
A Rawalpindi-based Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Saturday extended the interim bails of former federal interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and his nephew Sheikh Rashid Shafiq until January 4, 2024, in 10 cases related to May 9 vandalism.
The cases in which Rashid and his nephew’s interim bails were extended by the court ATC Judge Malik Ijaz Asif include the GHQ attack, the army museum attack, the intelligence agency office attack and setting the metro bus station on fire.
