In a significant development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi bench has directed authorities to expedite efforts to produce former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed within a week. This directive comes as a stern warning, with the court threatening to register a case against officers involved in Rashid’s arrest if he is not recovered promptly.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, featured Rashid’s counsel and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Khurram Ali. During the proceedings, the police officer submitted an investigation report, which the court promptly rejected.
Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, expressing dissatisfaction with the report, ordered the RPO to ensure the recovery of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed within the specified week. Failing to do so would result in a case being registered against officers responsible for Rashid’s arrest.
The judge, in no uncertain terms, stated,
“You have crossed your limit. A case will be registered against the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and four Station House Officers (SHOs) responsible for Rashid’s arrest.”
Furthermore, Judge Sadaqat Ali Khan called for affidavits from Rashid’s lawyers regarding his arrest. The counsel presented video evidence showing their client’s arrest at his residence and subsequent transfer to an intelligence office in the Golra Sharif area. The LHC also requested videos depicting Rashid’s transfer to the intelligence office.
More related: Court sets final deadline for recovery of Sheikh Rashid
In contrast, Rashid’s nephew, Sheikh Shakir, and employee Sheikh Imran, who were arrested alongside him, have been released.
This development follows the Lahore High Court’s previous displeasure over the detention of the former interior minister. In a previous hearing, the court had given authorities a “last chance” to recover Sheikh Rashid Ahmed by October 2, warning of strict action against the responsible parties in case of failure.
More related: Sheikh Rashid arrested by plain-clothes men in Rawalpindi
Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, sitting on the Rawalpindi bench of the LHC, had sternly reprimanded the RPO for failing to secure the veteran politician’s release.
Rashid was at his residence in a private housing society on the outskirts of Islamabad on September 17 when purported Rawalpindi Police personnel, along with officials in plain clothes, raided his home and detained him and three others. However, a spokesperson for the Rawalpindi Police issued a statement later that night denying Rashid’s arrest and claiming he was not in their custody. Since then, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has remained missing. Stay updated for further developments on this case.
