Azadi March
In a significant development, a district and sessions court in Islamabad has acquitted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur in connection with a case involving violence and vandalism during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s “Azadi March” on May 25.
The decision, announced on Saturday, comes as a welcome relief for the incarcerated PTI founder and his ally, following a turbulent period marked by protests and unrest.
The “Azadi March” was initiated by Imran Khan in the wake of his ousting from office through a no-confidence vote in 2022.
The former prime minister called for the march to the federal capital, Islamabad, demanding fresh elections and the dissolution of the existing assemblies. This call was met with a mix of support and opposition, leading to heightened tensions in the city.
As Khan and his convoy entered Islamabad, chaos ensued. Despite a Supreme Court ruling directing the PTI to hold their rally at a designated ground between the H9 and G9 areas, the protesters moved towards D-Chowk, sparking violent confrontations with police and law enforcement agencies.
The situation quickly escalated, resulting in clashes that left public and private properties damaged across the capital.
In the aftermath of the riots, an FIR was registered against PTI leadership at the Secretariat police station. The charges included inciting protesters to vandalize public property and interfering with government affairs, which heightened the stakes for the PTI leaders involved.
The Islamabad court, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, reserved its verdict for deliberation.
Civil Judge Shahzad Khan ultimately announced the reserved decision, leading to the acquittal of both Imran Khan and Gandapur. This outcome is particularly significant for the PTI, as it navigates the political landscape amidst ongoing challenges and controversies.
The acquittal may serve to bolster the morale of PTI supporters and could have implications for the party’s future political strategies, especially as it seeks to reestablish itself in the wake of recent upheavals.
With the legal troubles surrounding its leadership easing, the PTI may now focus on mobilizing its base and addressing the pressing issues facing Pakistan today.
