Sheikh Rashid’s Lal Haveli sealed

The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials have sealed the Awami Muslim League (AML) Sheikh Rashid Ahmad’s Lal Haveli in Rawalpindi in an operation on Thursday morning amid heavy presence of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) personnel and police, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The ETPB officers locked former interior minister’s office, Lal Havel’s main hall, political baithak (drawing room) and five other entry points.

The ETPB reclaimed the property on the orders of the Supreme Court as its team led by Deputy Administrator Asif Khan completely sealed the Lal Haveli without any hindrance.

Talking to the media men after the hassle-free operation, Asif Khan said Lal Haveli’s registration has been cancelled, though it was not fake but it was cancelled after proper procedure.

He said the vicinity has been completely sealed and it did not come as “vengeance”. “Sheikh Rashid still has a legal way as he can file an appeal in court,” he added.

ڈپٹی ایڈمنسٹریٹر اوقاف اس بات کی تائید کر رہا ہے کہ جو کاغذات لال حویلی کی رجسٹری ہم نے جمع کروائی ہے وہ جعلی نہیں ہے لیکن ہماری یہ پاور ہے ہم نے اس کو کینسل کر دیا ہے pic.twitter.com/vJY3IY3Kdg

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) September 21, 2023

AML chief’s lawyer Sardar Abdur Razzaq said Lal Haveli was sealed without any notice. “We will move the court for desealing the property as Lal Haveli case is being heard by the high court,” he added.

ایڈووکیٹ سردار عبدالرزاق صاحب کی جانب سے ممکنہ لال حویلی پر غیر قانونی قبضے کے حوالے سے اہم ویڈیو پیغام جاری pic.twitter.com/bDGk469KUC

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) September 20, 2023

Talking to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Lal Haveli servant Bhayya said he has not been in contact with Sheikh Sahab for many days. “None of the supporters reached Lal Haveli as they disappeared,” he added.

He said a joint team of ETPB and FIA had entered the Lal Haveli and sealed it. “I don’t know whether they took along something or placed something inside,” he added.

The ETPB in line with the apex court’s orders initiated the process to reclaim historical properties in Rawalpindi from illegal occupants.

On Thursday, the ETPB Rawalpindi had communicated to FIA that the Board needed Agency’s assistance in retrieving possession of key properties – Damdama Mandir, Lal Haveli and Bohar Bazaar.

اسلام آباد

متروکہ وقف املاک کا لال حویلی کو خالی کروانے کا فیصلہ

ایوکیو ٹرسٹ پراپرٹی نے راجہ بازار اور بوہڑ بازار کو اپنی تحویل میں لینے کے لیے آپریشن کا فیصلہ

متروکہ وقف املاک نے ایف آئی اے اینٹی کرپشن اسٹیبلشمنت اور پولیس سے فورس مانگ لی

ضلعی انتظامیہ بھی ایوکیو ٹرسٹ… pic.twitter.com/lwogKP9cLS

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) September 20, 2023

These historical properties hold cultural and historical significance and have long been under the occupation of unauthorized individuals. Sheikh Rashid’s family is considered illegal occupant of Lal Haveli.  

On September 17 last, Sheikh Rashid was arrested in Rawalpindi. He was hiding after the violent protests broke out following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s first arrest on May 9 last.

Sheikh Rashid had last served as the minister for interior and railways in former prime minister Imran Khan's cabinet.

عام آدمی بے بس pic.twitter.com/BSNaDsgfZV

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) September 17, 2023

 

Reporter Irshad Qureshi