Rawalpindi: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has formally appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan to urgently hear the pending appeals related to the cases of May 9, stating that prolonged delays are worsening the hardships faced by ordinary citizens and accused individuals alike.
The former federal interior minister made these remarks while speaking to the media outside an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Rawalpindi, where hearings were conducted in 12 cases linked to the events of May 9, including the high-profile attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ). Sheikh Rasheed is among the accused in several cases registered in connection with the unrest and violence that took place across the country on that day.
Addressing reporters, Sheikh Rasheed reiterated his stance that he was not present in Pakistan on May 9, the day when violent protests erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. Despite this, he acknowledged that cases have still been registered against him. “On May 9, I was not even in Pakistan, but a case is a case,” he said, highlighting what he described as the indiscriminate nature of the legal actions taken after the incidents.
Sheikh Rasheed made a heartfelt appeal to the Chief Justice, urging him to take notice of the suffering of the common people. He said that the country is already facing severe economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, which have pushed many families into distress. “I make a compassionate appeal to the Chief Justice. There are immense problems in the homes of the poor. Due to inflation and unemployment, people are unable to run their households,” he stated.
The AML chief stressed that the prolonged delay in hearing appeals related to the May 9 cases has added to the anxiety and suffering of those involved. He said many accused individuals and their families have been waiting for months, hoping for legal relief and clarity. According to him, justice delayed is justice denied, and the continued postponement of appeals undermines public confidence in the judicial process.
Sheikh Rasheed urged the Chief Justice to ensure that the appeals in May 9 cases are taken up without further delay so that final decisions can be reached. “It has been a long time since these appeals were filed. I request that people’s appeals be heard so that decisions in the May 9 cases can be concluded,” he said.
Referring to the broader situation in the country, Sheikh Rasheed argued that political stability and economic recovery are closely linked to timely justice and the rule of law. He said that prolonged legal uncertainty only fuels political tension and public frustration. In his view, resolving the May 9 cases through a transparent and timely judicial process would help ease the overall political environment.
The hearings at the Anti-Terrorism Court included proceedings in multiple cases related to alleged violence, arson, and attacks on military and state installations during the May 9 unrest. The GHQ attack case, in particular, is considered one of the most sensitive and high-profile cases stemming from the events of that day. Security was tightened around the court premises during the hearing, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the political sensitivity surrounding the trials.
In recent weeks, several verdicts and sentences have been announced in connection with the May 9 incidents. Courts have handed down severe punishments in certain cases, including lengthy prison sentences, which have further intensified political debate and legal scrutiny. Supporters of the accused argue that appeals should be heard promptly to ensure fairness, while the prosecution maintains that the cases involve serious offenses against the state.
Sheikh Rasheed’s appeal comes amid growing calls from various political figures and legal experts for the judiciary to expedite hearings related to May 9. Critics of the delays argue that keeping appeals pending for extended periods places undue psychological and financial pressure on the accused and their families, many of whom are already struggling due to economic hardship.
Legal analysts note that the Supreme Court’s role in hearing appeals is crucial for setting legal precedents and ensuring uniformity in judgments related to the May 9 cases. They argue that timely hearings could help clarify legal questions, address concerns about due process, and reduce political polarization linked to the cases.
Despite facing multiple legal challenges, Sheikh Rasheed maintained a measured tone in his remarks, focusing more on the plight of the common people than on his personal legal troubles. He emphasized that his appeal to the Chief Justice was not political but humanitarian in nature, aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by prolonged legal uncertainty.
As the legal process continues, all eyes remain on the higher judiciary to see whether the appeals related to the May 9 cases will be taken up in the near future. For many accused individuals and their families, the hope is that timely hearings will bring clarity, closure, and a sense of justice.
Sheikh Rasheed concluded by reiterating his request that the Chief Justice take notice of the delays and ensure that appeals are heard so that final decisions can be reached. “Only then,” he said, “can people move forward and the country find some relief from the ongoing political and legal turmoil.”
