The court has issued notices to the federal government after former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed was barred from travelling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, summoning the Director General FIA and the Director General Passport to appear in person.
The contempt of court petition filed by Sheikh Rasheed against authorities for not allowing him to travel, despite a court order, was admitted for hearing. The court directed the federal government, DG FIA and DG Passport to submit their replies and appear on November 18.
During the hearing, Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan remarked that contempt proceedings would be conducted and “whoever is found responsible will face punishment or consequences accordingly.”
The court questioned how the matter, originally assigned to a single bench, was placed before a division bench. It directed that the case be re-fixed before a single bench.
Sheikh Rasheed was present in the courtroom during the proceedings. His counsel argued that the court had given a clear order allowing Rasheed to perform Umrah, yet FIA officials stopped him at the airport, which amounted to a “clear violation of court orders and contempt of court.”
The court issued notices to all parties and adjourned the hearing till November 18.
