ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Sheikh Rasheed, the President of the Awami Muslim League and former federal minister, has appealed to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, urging him to grant amnesty to those detained, emphasizing that 90% of them are innocent. He expressed concern over the lack of rule of law, democracy, and constitutional implementation across the country, calling the current situation alarming.
In a conversation with the media, Rasheed reflected on his own time in isolation, admitting that he felt regretful over his 40-day confinement. He also pointed out that despite the 94 witnesses in the May 9 incident, none could testify against him, reinforcing his belief that he was wrongfully implicated.
Rasheed criticized the leadership for traveling abroad while leaving the public to suffer in the worsening smog and failing to take action against the severe air pollution plaguing the country. He voiced frustration over the government’s inaction, which has only added to the suffering of ordinary citizens.
Regarding the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, Rasheed expressed his belief that Khan would eventually be freed according to Allah’s will. However, he firmly stated that no matter how hard the opposition tried, they could not diminish Khan’s popularity or stop his political influence from growing.
Rasheed also pointed out the growing discontent with the political establishment, noting that both the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had failed to win the hearts of the people. Despite the public’s silence, he warned that the two parties had already dug their own graves in the political arena.
Turning to the education crisis, Rasheed appealed to the Punjab government to offer fee concessions to students, as many parents are struggling to afford school fees due to financial hardships, leading to a significant decline in school enrollments.
Rasheed also made a prediction regarding global politics, claiming he had foreseen Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He expressed concern about the unfolding situation in Gaza, where tensions are escalating. Rasheed noted that Iran and China have been on high alert, directing their military forces to remain prepared for any eventuality.
Throughout his remarks, Rasheed portrayed a sense of urgency, urging the government and the people to take action and acknowledge the difficult circumstances facing the nation and the world. His words were a mix of political reflection and personal insight, highlighting the challenges both at home and abroad.
