Awami Muslim League (AML) Head Sheikh Rashid Ahmed recently shared details of an emotional meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, describing it as a moment of reconciliation. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Sheikh Rashid revealed that during their brief interaction, Imran Khan embraced him emotionally, stating, "You and I are one. Forget what happened." Rashid further explained that, despite the political tension between them in the past, he reassured Khan that there had been no violence against him in the last 40 days. He added that meeting Imran Khan after a long time was a joyous occasion, with the PTI leader hugging and kissing him. The two leaders chatted briefly in the courtroom, during which Imran Khan expressed optimism, saying that overseas Pakistanis would play a crucial role in saving the country from economic collapse.

Sheikh Rashid also reminded the media that he had been the one to push for granting voting rights to overseas Pakistanis. The AML chief also touched on the state of the nation’s politics, stating that significant changes were likely before December 30, as political dynamics in Pakistan's two major parties, the PML-N and PPP, were expected to undergo a shift. He emphasized that he had no contact with any political party but was hopeful for a resolution to the country’s current political crisis. Rashid called for freedom for all political leaders, including Imran Khan, and criticized the lack of constitutional integrity, law, and justice in the country. Sheikh Rashid also raised concerns about Pakistan's economic situation, criticizing the ruling elite for contributing to the country’s financial collapse. He lamented that while the country’s poor suffer, the rich avoid paying taxes, further exacerbating the economic crisis.

The former federal minister revealed that the IMF delegation was leaving the country, and the poor would continue to suffer under the current conditions. Rashid, who has been outspoken about his stance on political prisoners, urged the release of innocent individuals, citing that many, including those associated with PTI, had not been able to secure legal representation. He highlighted that some 102 accused people had not yet hired lawyers, and the legal proceedings were dragging on due to delayed filings of legal documents. Rashid also revealed that 11 cases were still pending against him. On a positive note, Sheikh Rashid offered to support the education of underprivileged children, stating that his party had established 60 educational institutions and would cover the admission fees for girls in Rawalpindi. He added that the poor were his priority, and he would continue to work toward their betterment.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)