Court Issues Notice to Federal Government Over Sheikh Rashid’s Umrah Ban, Summons FIA and Passport DGs

Rawalpindi: The court has issued notices to the federal government over the prevention of former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed from traveling for Umrah, summoning the Director Generals of the FIA and Passport Office.

According to Express News, a contempt of court petition was filed regarding the incident, which the court accepted for hearing. The federal government, DG FIA, and DG Passport have been asked to submit their responses by November 18.

During the hearing, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan remarked that a trial for contempt of court will be conducted, and those responsible will face punishment or accountability. The court also questioned why the case, originally for a single bench, was presented before a division bench, and directed that it be re-listed before the single bench.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was present in court during the proceedings. His lawyer argued that the court had explicitly ordered that Sheikh Rashid be allowed to perform Umrah, yet FIA officials at the airport stopped him, violating the judicial order and constituting contempt of court.

The court issued notices to the concerned parties and scheduled the next hearing for November 18.