Sheikh Rashid arrested in Rawalpindi

Awami Muslim League chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was arrested from Rawalpindi on Tuesday, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.

The police arrested Sheikh Rashid after an anti-terrorism court cancelled his bail in connection with a case relating to May 9 violence.

A case of blocking road and setting fire public property was registered against the AML chief at New Town Police Station.

Earlier in the day, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Rawalpindi granted bails to Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid, his nephew Rashid Shafiq and others in the GHQ attack case.

Both Rashid and Shafiq were wanted in 13 cases registered in connection with the incidents of violence of May 9.

The court had reserved the verdict in the case yesterday. 

Yesterday, the court had reserved its verdict on the police’s plea, seeking arrests of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid, his nephew Rashid Shafiq and others in the case.

Earlier, Abdur Razzaq Advocate, counsel for Rasheed, and the government’s lawyer concluded their arguments in the case. 

Later, talking to the media outside the court, AML chief said that 19 cases had been registered against him.

He expressed the hope that the people of his constituency by voting for him in the elections would take revenge on the last coalition government, which was responsible for price hike and unemployment in the country.

Rasheed said neither did he utter a word against anybody in the past nor would he do so in the future. “I have left my case to The Almighty Allah.”

Later, advocate Sardar Abdul Razaq Khan talking to media persons said that Sheikh Rashid Shafiq has been granted bail in all thirteen cases against him.

However, Shaikh Rasheed could not get bail in an arson case registered at Newtown Police Station and police arrested him.

“He is transferred to jail and will be produced before the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) tomorrow which will decide on either judicial or physical remand,” he remarked.

Abdul Razzaq continued despite the legal rollercoaster, it has been emphasized that Sheikh Rasheed is not directly linked to the Hamza camp case.

The judge's apparent leniency in confirming bail in various cases, he said, adding that during the court session, the judge chuckled and suggested Sheikh Rasheed spend a few days in jail.

To a question, he replied that Shaikh Rasheed’s meeting with Imran Khan or Chaudhry Parvaiz Elahi during his confinement in jail is not possible.

It is believed that Shaikh Rasheed conspired in Lal Haveli against the security agencies, he said hoping Sheikh Rasheed will be presented tomorrow and his bail will be confirmed.

Reporter: Irshad Qureshi