IHC dismisses case against Sheikh Rashid

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed a case filed against Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid pertaining to his using “immoral” language against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

A case was registered in February last year against Rashid for using offensive words against the ex-foreign minister. The FIR was registered by Karachi’s Mochko police station on a complaint from a local PPP leader. The former federal minister, according to the first information report, made “immoral” and “nasty” comments which infuriated the public and created a law and order situation in the city.

IHC Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri announced the verdict approving Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid’s plea seeking the dismissal of the case lodged at Mochko Police Station against him. Rashid in person was present in the courtroom to hear the judgement.

The FIR registered against Rashid included four sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), including 500 (Punishment for defamation), 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups).

According to the FIR, the AML chief used “highly offensive and disgusting” words against party chairman Bilawal during a media talk at the Polyclinic Hospital which led to anarchy among thousands of PPP workers.

“A large number of people took to the streets and I, along with other members including Pir Buksh, son of Ali Murad, Muhammad Bux, son of Mola Buksh, and others, tried hard to stop them,” added the FIR.

It also said that the AML chief deliberately conspired to subvert peace, tried to instigate conflict and bloodshed and attempted to spread disorder. “Legal action should be taken against him (Sheikh Rashid),” it said.