Former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was stopped from leaving Pakistan for Umrah despite having a valid court order allowing his travel. The incident occurred at Islamabad International Airport where authorities denied him boarding.
According to Rasheed, he had presented the Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench order, which permitted his name’s removal from the Exit Control List (ECL) and granted him permission to perform Umrah. However, officials at the airport still refused to let him board.
The Lahore High Court had clearly stated that there were no objections to Sheikh Rasheed’s travel abroad, making the airport’s move appear in violation of judicial orders.
Speaking to the media, Rasheed called the act “a contempt of court” and announced plans to file a legal complaint against those responsible for obstructing his departure.
He further alleged that his basic rights were being violated and that such actions only reflect political victimization against opposition figures in the country.
Authorities have yet to issue an official explanation, while legal experts say the refusal to comply with a court directive could have serious consequences for involved officials.
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