ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former Interior Minister and chief of the Awami Muslim League (AML), Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, was arrested in Rawalpindi, his lawyer Sardar Abdul Razzaq Khan told a private news channel via telephone.
The arrest operation, carried out by Islamabad police, also involved the detention of one of Sheikh Rasheed’s nephews and his principal secretary. Details regarding the circumstances leading to the arrests have not been officially disclosed at this time. Sheikh Rasheed was taken into custody from his residence, situated in Phase 3 of the Bahria Town, a private housing society in Rawalpindi.
This development follows a series of arrests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders as part of a broader crackdown on individuals involved in the violence and destruction of state buildings and military installations on May 9. Sheikh Rasheed’s arrest had been sought by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in connection with the National Crime Agency (NCA) £190 million scandal, also known as the Al-Qadir Trust Case.
Sheikh Rasheed’s Nephew Confirms the Arrest
In a video statement, Sheikh Rasheed’s nephew confirmed the arrest, stating that Sheikh Rasheed, his nephew Sheikh Shakir, and principal secretary Sheikh Imran were taken into custody by a contingent of Punjab Police. He further asserted that both Punjab Police and Islamabad police had submitted written statements to the court, affirming that Sheikh Rasheed was not a wanted individual in any case related to the May 9 events.
Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, known for his active involvement in Pakistani politics, has consistently condemned the events of May 9. Reacting to Sheikh Rasheed’s arrest, PTI stated, “The political victimization and fascism continue, this time with the arrest of Sheikh Rashid.”
The political victimisation and fascism continues, this time with the arrest of Sheikh Rashid.
This is yet another episode of mockery of law in Pakistan. Despite a caretaker government in place the fascism, and blatant violation of human rights continues! pic.twitter.com/ZG7TF8sD0c
— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 17, 2023
The party expressed concern over what they termed as the “mockery of law” and the continuation of “fascism and blatant violation of human rights” in Pakistan, even with a caretaker government in place.
