Sheikh Rasheed seeks exemption from court appearance in Zardari remarks case

ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid on Thursday filed a plea before the Islamabad court seeking his exemption from personal appearance in a case pertaining to making defamatory remarks against the former president Asif Zardari, ARY News reported.

In his plea, the former interior minister stated that he was unable to attend the hearing due to health issues. A medical report was also attached to the plea.

Judicial Magistrate Umar Shabbir was expected to frame charges against the AML chief today as the investigation officer had submitted a challan in the case registered at the Aabpara police station.

On Feb 18, Sheikh Rashid requested the court to adjourn the case till March 15 as he had to attend a conference on March 2.

At this, the judge said he could not adjourn the case for long as challan had been submitted by the IO in the case. “Charges would be framed against the former interior minister on March 2,” the judge observed.

The case

AML chief Sheikh Rasheed was booked under three sections — 120B (criminal conspiracy), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).

In the FIR, complainant PPP divisional president stated that the AML chief tried to badmouth a former president and cause a “permanent danger” to the PPP co-chairman and his family.

With his provocatory allegations, Rasheed wants to cause a fight between the PTI and the PPP to disrupt the country’s peace, the FIR added.