By On Monday, a local court acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other PTI leaders. The charges stemmed from alleged violence during the May 25 Azadi March.
Leaders Acquitted
The court acquitted Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Qasim Suri, Zartaj Gul, Ali Nawaz Awan, Faisal Javed, Shireen Mazari, Saifullah Niazi, Asad Umar, and Sheikh Rashid.
Verdict and Charges
Judicial magistrates Mureed Abbas and Shahzad Khan delivered the verdicts. The cases were filed at Karachi Company and Kohsar police stations in 2022. Charges included abetment, rioting with deadly weapons, unlawful assembly, obstructing public service, disobedience, assault on a public servant, causing damage, and mischief by fire or explosive substance.
Kohsar Police FIR
The Kohsar police station filed a similar FIR against Imran Khan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Sheikh Rashid, Ali Nawaz Awan, and Qasim Suri. Sub-Inspector Asif Raza lodged the complaint on May 26 at 1:50 am.
Defense Arguments
During the proceedings, PTI counsel Naeem Panjotha argued that an unauthorized person filed the FIR. He claimed only the person who imposed Section 144 could lodge the case. Additionally, he noted no video evidence against Imran Khan.
Acquittal and Allegations
The defense counsel requested the court to acquit Imran Khan, asserting that the allegations were baseless and politically motivated.
