Sheikh Rashid cleared of charges in Asif Zardari remarks case

A local court in Islamabad has acquitted former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a case related to President Asif Zardari’s remarks about plotting to assassinate former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

According to a report by Geo News, the Judicial Magistrate of the District and Sessions Court in Islamabad announced the reserved verdict on Sheikh Rashid’s acquittal plea on Friday. Afterwards, Sheikh Rashid spoke to the media.

While speaking with media personnel, Sheikh Rashid expressed his gratitude and said, “With Allah’s help, I have been acquitted today, while 14 terrorism cases still remain pending against me.”

The report indicates that a case was filed against Sheikh Rashid in 2023 at Islamabad’s Aabpara Police Station, which included charges of conspiracy and incitement. The District and Sessions Court reserved its decision yesterday.

Sheikh Rashid remarked that both major parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have become symbols of public disdain, and he was not even present where the incident occurred.