ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was stopped at Islamabad International Airport on Wednesday from travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, despite having obtained formal permission from the Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench.
According to his lawyer, Sardar Shehbaz, the court had issued a written order a day earlier, allowing Sheikh Rasheed to perform Umrah and directing authorities to ensure no obstacles were created in his travel.
However, immigration officials reportedly barred him from boarding his flight as he prepared to depart. In a video message recorded at the airport, Sheikh Rasheed expressed deep resentment, calling the move a violation of the LHC’s order.
“Despite the clear instructions of Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan, I have been prevented from travelling,” he said, adding that the judge had explicitly ordered authorities to facilitate his pilgrimage. “In this country, when even a High Court’s order is not honoured, one can only look to Allah for justice.”
He alleged that two officials, identified as Abid and Tauqeer, informed him he would not be permitted to travel and refused to acknowledge the court’s directive.
The AML chief announced plans to file a contempt of court petition against the concerned immigration officers before the LHC Rawalpindi Bench.
“Allah will make it possible for me to perform Umrah,” Sheikh Rasheed said, vowing that “those responsible will face embarrassment for their actions.”
