RAWALPINDI, Nov 16 (NNI): Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed said on Saturday he did not utter a word against Pakistan Army.
Speaking to media outside the Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi, he dispelled the impression he was tortured while he was in the custody of intelligence agencies.
On his contacts with the establishment, Rasheed said it was his desire to be ‘in their good books’. “But there is no response from them. This is for the first time in my political career that they don’t need me,” he added.
He reiterated that he was still loyal to Imran. “However, I have nothing to do with the PTI’s call for jamming the country on November 24.”
All he wanted, the AML chief went on to say, was stability in the country.
Asserting he was innocent, he said there was nobody who could give testimony against him. “If somebody testifies on oath, then I am ready to face the punishment.”
The seasoned politician said these were the ordinary people who were bearing the brunt of the country’s political and economic situation. “I call upon the army chief to announce amnesty for those ordinary people who were not involved in the May 9 riots, and conduct the trial only of politicians,” he requested.
Rasheed said it was unfortunate that while the entire nation was suffering because of inflation, top PML-N leaders were away from the country.
He criticised the government for its lack of concern over the soaring inflation in the country, stating that people are dying due to rising prices, yet no one seems to care.
He also addressed the numerous legal cases against him, stating, “I have 14 cases against me. I was acquitted in one case in Islamabad yesterday, and I am appearing in all 14 cases in Rawalpindi. I hope I will be acquitted in these cases as well.” NNI
