A District and Sessions Court in Islamabad acquitted former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Friday, clearing him of charges related to his allegations against President Asif Ali Zardari, which claimed the president was involved in a plot to assassinate Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood delivered the verdict, granting Rashid’s acquittal.
Speaking to the media outside the court, Rashid thanked Allah for the decision, but pointed out that he still faces 14 terrorism-related cases.
The case, filed in 2023 at Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station, included charges of conspiracy and incitement. The court had reserved its decision on Rashid’s acquittal petition the previous day.
Rashid claimed that the current government has already served its purpose and is now facing widespread public criticism and resentment. He further stated that both major political parties, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have become symbols of public dissatisfaction.
He also denied being present at the location of the alleged incident, asserting that terrorism cases were being filed against him in places like Mach, Lasbela, and Murree, areas he had never visited.
Rashid also criticized the government over the economic situation, stating that farmers were not getting fair prices for wheat and accused the administration of being under pressure from the IMF.
