RAWALPINDI: Former federal minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed stated on Tuesday that he was prevented from traveling to perform Umrah despite a court order allowing him to do so. Speaking to reporters outside the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC), he explained that he had filed a defamation petition before Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan. Following the petition, the court issued notices to the Passport Department and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) regarding the matter.
Sheikh Rashid added that the court has now adjourned the hearing until November 25. His lawyer, Sardar Abdul Razzaq, has ensured that all constitutional and legal formalities related to the case have been completed.
He further mentioned that the judge observed the irony of a person who has served as a minister seventeen times being barred from performing Umrah. The final report in the matter is expected to be submitted to the court in the next hearing scheduled for November 25. Sheikh Rashid emphasized that the matter is being handled according to legal procedures, and he hopes for a resolution that will allow him to undertake his religious journey.
