The Lahore High Court (LHC) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the detention of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid and has issued a “last chance” ultimatum to authorities for his recovery by October 2. The court has warned of strict action against the responsible parties if the deadline is not met.

Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, presiding over the case from the Rawalpindi bench of LHC, voiced his displeasure with the situation and reprimanded Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Khurram Ali for his failure to locate and recover the veteran politician. The judge also sought an update on the progress made in the case.

Sheikh Rashid was reportedly detained on September 17 at his residence in a private housing society on the outskirts of Islamabad by individuals claiming to be Rawalpindi Police personnel, along with some officials in plain clothes. However, the Rawalpindi Police later issued a statement denying his arrest and asserted that Rashid was not in their custody. Since that night, his whereabouts have remained unknown.

During the court hearing, Rashid’s counsel informed the court that Rawalpindi police had been in contact with them, urging them to issue a statement on Rashid’s behalf, in which they should state that he left on his own and was not apprehended by the authorities. “They claim that Sheikh Rashid will be released after the statement is issued,” the counsel stated.

The lawyer further presented evidence that the police had conducted a raid at Rashid’s residence and arrested him under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operation Faisal Suleman. He noted that there was CCTV footage supporting this claim, and nearby security guards could serve as witnesses to the arrest.

In response, the court directed the RPO to provide an affidavit confirming that the three individuals seen in the CCTV footage, including Sheikh Rashid, are not in police custody. The judge warned that if the three are not recovered from Rawalpindi, strict legal action would be taken against the responsible authorities.

Rashid’s counsel also requested the court to consider the case of his client’s nephew, Sheikh Shakir, and employee Imran, who have no involvement in politics and should not be targeted.

After hearing both sides, Justice Sadaqat issued a final ultimatum to the authorities, giving them until October 2 to recover Sheikh Rashid and the others. The judge emphasized that there would be no further extensions, and if Rashid is not found by the specified date, strict action would be taken, and a notice would be issued to the RPO.