Court Clears Imran Khan and Asad Umar in May 25 Case
ISLAMABAD, the Islamabad District and Sessions Court acquitted former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan and former Planning Minister Asad Umar in the case related to the May 25 Long March arson and siege of Parliament.
The case, involving charges of rioting, vandalism, and arson during the PTI's protest march on May 25, 2023, against the ousting of Imran Khan's government, has been a source of contention and political scrutiny for months.
Civil Judge Naveed Khan, presiding over the case, announced the verdict after hearing detailed arguments from both sides. The decision sparked immediate celebrations among PTI supporters, who gathered outside the courthouse and cheered the outcome.
The court's judgment highlighted the lack of sufficient evidence to support the charges against Khan and Umar. The prosecution's arguments, primarily based on video footage and witness testimonies, were deemed inconclusive by the judge.
This acquittal marks a significant victory for Khan and the PTI, offering vindication from accusations that had been a focal point of political attacks against them. The party leadership hailed the verdict as a triumph of truth and justice, claiming it exposes the fabricated nature of the case.
However, the decision is likely to be challenged by the prosecution, potentially setting the stage for further legal proceedings. It remains to be seen if the prosecution will appeal the verdict or seek to build a stronger case for a fresh trial.
The May 25 incident, widely condemned for its violence and disruption, continues to cast a long shadow over Pakistan's political landscape. While the court's decision provides some closure for Khan and Umar, the broader questions surrounding the events of that day and their political ramifications remain unanswered.
This acquittal is sure to be a major talking point in the country's ongoing political discourse, likely adding further fuel to the already heated public debate about the future of Pakistan's democracy.
