ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with several key leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Monday was acquitted in a case involving the violation of Section 144 and the use of amplifiers during a political gathering in 2022.
The case, which was filed in August 2022 at the Aabpara police station, also involved PTI leaders Faisal Vawda, Sheikh Rashid, Fawad Chaudhry, Shibli Faraz, Asad Qaiser, and Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan.
They faced charges of organizing a political gathering in violation of Section 144, which prohibits public gatherings in certain areas, and for using loudspeakers without prior permission.
Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood Chaudhry delivered a detailed ruling, which highlighted serious doubts regarding the prosecution’s claims. One of the significant contradictions pointed out by the court was the allegation that a crowd of 1,000 to 1,200 people had attacked police officers.
However, the court noted that no injuries to police personnel had been reported, undermining the credibility of the accusations.
In light of these inconsistencies, the court ruled that the prosecution had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its case. The magistrate further stated that even if the trial had proceeded, the chances of a conviction were highly unlikely due to the weak evidence presented.
As a result, all accused individuals were acquitted, and the court ordered their release, provided they were not being held in connection with any other cases. Additionally, the court instructed the return of the surety bonds that had been submitted by the accused.
This ruling provides significant legal relief to the PTI leadership, who have faced a series of ongoing legal and political challenges in recent months.
