Announcing his determination to participate in the upcoming elections regardless of any potential hindrances, the leader of the Awami Muslim League (AML), Sheikh Rashid, revealed that he was treated with respect and devoid of any mistreatment during the period he was unaccounted for.
Rashid, known as an ally of the PTI, was reportedly apprehended by unidentified individuals from his residence in Rawalpindi on September 17. After a month-long absence, he resurfaced in an interview with Samaa TV.
In the interview, Rashid mentioned that he had been on a 40-day spiritual retreat (‘chilla’) where he dedicated time to the intensive study of the Holy Quran and self-reflection.
Addressing the media in Lahore today, Rashid stated, “They transformed me into a renewed version of Sheikh Rashid. They even provided me with warm water for Tahajud prayers.” He added, “From September 17 to October 22, I underwent a transformative journey. I am not aware of the specific location where I was held.”
The former minister emphasized that his party had never been in conflict with the military. “They detained my employees—Haneef, Imran, Shakir, Qamar, and Bilal—all of whom earn a modest income of Rs30,000,” he disclosed.
Furthermore, Rashid asserted his reliance on divine assistance, reiterating his commitment to contest the elections against the Pakistan Democratic Movement, even if he were to face arrest again.
LHC Directs Unsealing of Lal Haveli
Earlier today, the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court instructed authorities to unseal Rashid’s political office and public secretariat, Lal Haveli.
Originally constructed over a century ago by Dhan Raj Sehgal for Budhan Bai, a Muslim entertainer from Sialkot, Lal Haveli was repurposed into a political headquarters in 1980 after Rashid’s foray into parliamentary politics.
Last year, a dispute emerged over the property’s ownership when the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) claimed that the ownership documents of one of Lal Haveli’s seven units were forged. According to ETPB, the total area of Lal Haveli surpassed 16 marlas, with Rashid purportedly holding only five marlas in the upper portion.
Following the ETPB’s actions, Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Sadique, petitioned the Rawalpindi bench of the LHC, seeking the de-sealing of Lal Haveli and a restraint order against the ETPB from evicting him or interfering in the property’s possession until the final resolution of the case.
During today’s hearing, Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf emphasized the importance of allowing the applicant ample opportunity to present his case. Both Rashid and his brother, Sadique, appealed for the reconsideration of their application in court.
“The Indian government recently enacted a law to address the issue of permanent property evictions,” the judge noted. “Unfortunately, our governmental institutions do not operate in a similar manner in accordance with the law.”
Consequently, the court instructed the ETPB to unseal Lal Haveli and revisit the case.
