- Petition states High Court’s June 25 ruling on Sheikh Rashid case was unlawful, seeks reversal
KARACHI: The Sindh government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court with a petition, 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 Sh Rashid against Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.
Earlier on June 25, the Islamabad High Court had dismissed similar cases registered against AML chief Sheikh Rashid in Sindh and Balochistan for allegedly making derogatory remarks 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 Sindh government in the petition argued that the PPP chairman who had served as foreign minister, was defamed by Sheikh Rasheed during his detention in a government hospital.
The Sindh government claimed that former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed’s remarks harmed Bilawal’s reputation.
The petition said the High Court should have ordered an inquiry into the matter but dismissed the case, allegedly overlooking the facts.
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.
The Sindh government has requested the Supreme Court to overturn the Islamabad High Court’s June 25 decision, which ordered the cancellation of the FIR against Sheikh Rasheed.
