ATC verdict to acquit Imran Khan in SSP torture case irks Sharifs

Anti-Terrorism Court in Islamabad admitted the acquittal plea of Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan in SSP Ismatullah torture case.

The judge of the ATC Islamabad announced the judgment in presence of Imran Khan after the court had found insufficient evidence in the case.

The court had reserved the verdict on the acquittal application of Imran Khan on April 10, as he was not present in the court. The court directed him to be present in the next hearing.

The Islamabad police registered four cases against Imran Khan and other party workers for allegedly torturing SSP Ismatullah, attack on PTV station and the attack on the parliament building in 2013.

After being acquitted, Imran Khan talked to the media and said the case was politicized by the Nawaz regime as it was not the case of terrorism. "Such democratic governments are worse than military dictatorships," he alleged.

While commenting on NAB's activities, he said whatever the anti-graft body doing is commendable. "It is for the first time the NAB has initiated action against people in power. Previously the NAB only used to hold patwaris and government officials accountable."

"Where is Punjab's development budget spent every year.  Shahbaz Sharif and sons worked in collusion, they own a corruption limited company," Khan said. 

Sharifs reaction

Criticizing the court verdict about Imran Khan's acquittal, the former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif said that those who have done nothing are attending the judicial proceedings and those who should be punished are acquitted.

Speaking to the media outside the accountability court, Maryam said that the orders to Imran Khan “must have come from above".