Awami Muslim League (AML) head Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, after appearing in the Islamabad district court on Thursday, made an appeal to Army Chief General Asim Munir and DG ISI Nadeem Anjum for a general amnesty for the [May 9 incident-related] prisoners on the upcoming Eid, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Speaking to the media, Sheikh Rasheed emphasized the severe overcrowding in jails, noting that the number of inmates exceeds the jails' capacities.
"More people are languishing in Adiala jail than the capacity," he stated, highlighting the plight of detainees, particularly in Adiala Jail, where 500 people are forced to appear in court under scorching heat. Rasheed claimed that 80 to 90 percent of the detainees in Adiala Jail are innocent.
He also specifically called for the release of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) female activists Sanam Javed and Aliya Hamza, criticizing their harsh treatment and transfer between jails as if they were "queens of Jhansi."
"The honour of the army is dearer to us than our lives, but what kind of message is being sent?" Rasheed questioned, reiterating his plea for amnesty and the release of detainees.
He said those (allegedly involved in May 9 incidents) who have been released on the Eidul Fitr have to spend a whole year of imprisonment.
Rasheed also lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in Rawalpindi, where funerals are reportedly being looted.
He also expressed concern over the stagnant investments from China during the Musharraf era, which remain unutilized.
"The main investors are fleeing the country; who will come from outside?" he asked, warning that political decisions in June could significantly impact the country.
Earlier, Rasheed's court appearance for a case related to the Azadi March registered at Police Station I-9 Islamabad, was postponed until June 10 due to the unavailability of Civil Judge Malik Muhammad Imran.
Reporter: Hashar Ahsan