ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions Court of Islamabad has acquitted 14 individuals, including prominent political figure Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in the May 9 cases registered at Thana Khanna. Judicial Magistrate Sohaib Bilal delivered the written order, stating that the prosecution’s case lacked sufficient evidence to secure a conviction.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi faced accusations of inciting others to commit acts of provocation. However, the court ruled that Section 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code, which addresses abetment, was not applicable to Qureshi, as there was no resulting crime from his alleged incitement. The court found that the evidence on record did not substantiate the charges against Qureshi or the other accused individuals.
The court’s decision highlighted significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, noting that charges under Section 16 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) and Section 144 were not adequately proven. Additionally, it was noted that the complainant in the case was not the District Magistrate, which further compromised the prosecution’s position.
In its recent ruling, the court underscored the critical role that the lack of a credible complainant and insufficient evidence played in the acquittal of the accused. The court’s decision to grant acquittal applications for Qureshi and the other thirteen individuals reflects a careful consideration of the prosecution’s case. The ruling indicates that the prosecution’s failure to present a robust and compelling case was pivotal in the court’s decision.
The court’s emphasis on these factors highlights a significant development in the legal proceedings surrounding the incidents of May 9. By pointing out the deficiencies in the prosecution’s evidence and the absence of a credible complainant, the court has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that justice is served based on substantive evidence and credible testimonies. As a result, the acquittal of the accused not only clears them of all charges but also underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding the principles of fairness and due process in legal proceedings.
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