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RAWALPINDI: Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, leader of Awami Muslim League (AML), alleged on Monday that the government has “totally shut” his Lal Haveli mansion.
Rashid stated that he is taking the matter to the high court, noting that he received no warning from Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). “I was not at the Haveli; I was in Islamabad,” the former federal minister explained.
“The authorities planned to arrest me late at night. They have now resorted to rioting “He went on to say. “If it is shown that we do not own this land, hang us publicly and disqualify us,” the former minister added, adding that it is his property.
ETPB Deputy Commissioner Asif Khan arrived at the home with a large police contingent and sealed off two apartments of the residence. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team also arrived at the house.
The ETPB requested assistance from the deputy commissioner, the city police officer (CPO), and the director of the FIA. Rashid and his brother Sheikh Siddique, according to the constable, illegally occupied the haveli’s seven land units.
DC Khan stated that multiple notices were given to the AML chief and his brother.
“Sheikh Rashid and his brother failed to present any valid document or record,” he said, adding that Rashid’s injunction request had also been denied by the court.
The operation included the superintendent of police (SP), the director of the FIA, and the assistant commissioner.
The ETPB sealed seven units, including two Lal Haveli units and five adjoining units.
After Rashid disputed a notification ordering him to vacate his property, a district and sessions court in Rawalpindi issued a stay order instructing the ETPB to temporarily halt the eviction of the structure on October 18, last year.
On October 16, the board directed the AML chief and his brother to evacuate the residence within seven days. However, the former minister filed a legal appeal to the notification.