Sheikh Rashid Slams Delayed Justice and Urges Review of Trial Timeline

Rawalpindi:Former federal minister and **Awami Muslim League** (AML) leader, **Sheikh Rashid Ahmed**, has criticized the justice system for **delays in his trials**, claiming that he was handed copies of **ten cases** even though he has not been in the country for some time.

Speaking to the media during his appearance at the court, Sheikh Rashid expressed concern over the recent **Supreme Court ruling** directing that trials should be completed within **four months**. He described the ruling as **unrealistic** given that there are **36,000 cases** pending, and he believes it will be impossible for them to be resolved within such a short period.

> “It’s impossible to complete 36,000 cases in four months. These cases will not be decided in my lifetime,” Rashid lamented.

He further stated that a **fair trial** is essential for justice, and the current **haste in the legal process** is not only **unjust** but detrimental to the poor, who continue to suffer as the system fails to deliver justice effectively.

> “I urge for a **review of the four-month trial deadline**. It’s clear that justice is being undermined, and the grave of justice is being dug,” Sheikh Rashid remarked.

Rashid also pointed out that the **prosecution’s delays** have worsened the situation, referring to the **two-year delay** in presenting the **chargesheet** for the **May 9 cases**, adding that the **prosecution is solely to blame** for the prolonged delays.

He further added that, despite the **delayed trials**, he and other defendants attend every hearing, but the justice system has still failed to expedite proceedings.

**Sardar Abdul Razzaq**, Sheikh Rashid’s lawyer, also emphasized the **inordinate delay** in the submission of the **chargesheet**, which had been pending for **two years**. He noted that the **prosecution** was responsible for the delays, as the accused were present at every hearing, yet the legal process was continuously held up.

The case reflects broader concerns about the **efficiency** and **fairness** of the **Pakistani justice system**, particularly in cases involving high-profile political figures.