Web Desk
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has decided to extend the physical remand of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Mehmood-ur-Rasheed while sending Dr. Yasmin Rashid to jail in the May 9 vandalism case, according to recent reports.
The ATC granted a two-day extension to Mehmood-ur-Rasheed’s physical remand after a request from the police, who sought further interrogation of the PTI leader. The police informed the court about their intention to investigate Rasheed’s alleged involvement in vandalizing and setting fire to the Shadman police station.
Speaking to the media after his court appearance, the former Punjab minister expressed his unwavering support for PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his party. He criticized the police action against “thousands of innocent people, including youth, students, and professionals,” stating that they were being treated inhumanely and subjected to new cases being filed against them.
On the other hand, the ATC rejected the police’s request for Dr Yasmin Rashid’s physical remand and instead sent her to jail on judicial remand. She is also accused of participating in the vandalism and arson at the Shadman police station following Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9. Dr Yasmin Rashid was produced in court from jail as per the court’s orders and subsequently remanded to judicial custody.
The PTI leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed, and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, reaffirmed their commitment to the party and vowed not to abandon their loyalty to Chairman Imran Khan.
During their appearance before the ATC last week, the police had requested an extension of their physical remand to conclude the investigation. However, the presiding judge denied the request and sent them to jail on judicial remand.
When questioned by the media about the possibility of PTI leaders leaving the party, Dr Yasmin stated that she had no intentions of going anywhere and would never abandon her party. She emphatically declared her support for the party and its leader.
Mian Mehmood-ur-Rasheed also expressed his unwavering dedication to the PTI and Imran Khan, stating that he could not even contemplate leaving the party. While he refrained from commenting on whether he was facing any pressure, he reiterated his determination to remain with the party and highlighted that all the cases against him were baseless and fabricated. Regarding other arrested leaders potentially leaving the party after their release from jail, he opined that they were unable to withstand the pressure.
Former Governor of Punjab, Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, emphasized that he was an ideological worker and would never part ways with the party. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the PTI and Imran Khan, demonstrating his steadfast loyalty.
