Rawalpindi: The Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench issued a directive on Tuesday, ordering the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Rawalpindi to expedite the immediate recovery and release of former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. The court mandated that the RPO must complete this task within a week and submit a comprehensive report detailing the progress of the operation.
The court proceedings were adjourned and are scheduled to resume on October 2. During the hearing, RPO Khurram Ali appeared before the bench, expressing his lack of information about the identity of the kidnappers responsible for Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s detention. He humbly requested one week’s time to ensure the safe recovery of the senior politician.
Justice Sadaqat Ali of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench presided over the petition, which was filed against the detention of former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.
During the proceedings, the court inquired about the developments in the case from the RPO. In response, the police officer stated that Sheikh Rashid was not in the custody of the Rawalpindi police. He further clarified that the location from which Sheikh Rashid was detained did not fall within their jurisdiction.
Sheikh Rashid’s legal counsel countered this claim by asserting that the Awami Muslim League (AML) leader had been arrested by the Rawalpindi police, and they possessed evidence to support this claim. The court sternly cautioned, “Are you ready to provide a written statement that Rashid is not in your custody? If, in the future, he is recovered from Rawalpindi, legal action will be taken against you.”
However, in light of the RPO’s request, the court granted him one week’s time to orchestrate the successful recovery and release of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, as well as two other individuals. The case hearing was adjourned, and it is set to resume on October 2, 2023.
This development has sparked significant public interest, and observers are keenly following the case as it unfolds. Stay tuned for further updates on this matter as it progresses through the legal system.
