The Islamabad High Court has made a significant ruling in the petition seeking the dismissal of cases against former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. The court’s directive to lodge only one FIR at the respective police station for each incident has far-reaching implications for the cases against Sheikh Rashid.
Justice Tariq Mahmood Ja hangiri’sJahangiri’s Verdict
Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri has released a detailed 41-page decision on applications regarding various cases against Sheikh Rashid in Karachi and other places. Courts emphasize their mandate to safeguard people’s rights. Ensuring that they do not charge individuals twice for the same offense under the Constitution, thereby preventing double jeopardy.
As for Sheikh Rashid’s matter, it happened at Islamabad Poly Clinic, which is under the judiciary’s area of influence. The case against Sheikh Rashid at the Mochko Police Station in Karachi has been dismissed. It is lamentable to note that political parties fabricate cases against their opponents when in power. Courts emphasize their mandate to safeguard people’s rights, ensuring they do not charge individuals twice for the same offense under the Constitution. Thereby preventing double jeopardy.
Torturing political opponents in this manner blatantly violates established law, undermines democracy, and is inappropriate for the rule of law. Thus, it necessitates reconsideration before such actions are taken.
Feedback from Judicial Aides and Police
Judicial aides and police have indicated that registering the FIR related to the Islamabad incident in other provinces is inappropriate. Petitioners withdrew their applications, leading to the cancellation of cases in Peshawar, Lahore, and Lasbela on this basis.
Police officials said they could not issue an official statement since the matter involved Bilawal Bhutto. In the Sagri Bibi case, the Supreme Court ruled that it is not permissible to register different locations of the same incident separately.
Meanwhile, the district court in Mari has maintained its decision to dismiss the case involving interference in the former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid’s government. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed appeared in court accompanied by his lawyer, Sardar Abdul Razzaq Khan.
