Sheikh Rasheed Acquitted in Defamation Case Against Asif Ali Zardari

The Islamabad District and Sessions Court has acquitted former interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed in a case involving alleged defamatory remarks against former President Asif Ali Zardari.

Sheikh Rasheed, who was booked at Aabpara police station last year, appeared in court alongside his lawyers, Masroof Khan and Sardar Shehbaz Raza. Judicial Magistrate Yasir Mahmood delivered the reserved verdict, clearing Rasheed of all charges.

Background of the Case

The case stemmed from an FIR lodged by the divisional president of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). Rasheed was accused under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between groups), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

The FIR alleged that Rasheed made provocative remarks to tarnish the reputation of Zardari, create enmity between the PPP and PTI, and disrupt public peace. It claimed that the allegations posed a “permanent danger” to the PPP co-chairman and his family.

This decision brings an end to the legal proceedings against the AML chief in this particular case, marking a significant relief for Rasheed and his legal team.