Court declines book offer from Sheikh Rashid during hearing on travel plea

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) A division bench of the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench on Thursday declined an offer by Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, to present a copy of his book to the judges during proceedings of an intra-court appeal filed by the Federal government.

The bench, comprising Justice Tariq Mahmood Bajwa and Justice Jawad Hassan, was hearing the government’s appeal regarding Sheikh Rashid’s travel abroad.

During the hearing, Sheikh Rashid presented his book titled “Lal Haveli Se Aqwam-e-Muttahida Tak” to the bench. Justice Jawad Hassan, however, declined the offer, observing that judges could not accept 'even a pencil' from anyone and advised that the book may be submitted to the high court library instead.

The additional attorney general submitted a report of the interior secretary before the court.

Counsel for Sheikh Rashid argued that his client’s name had earlier been removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) in compliance with court orders but was subsequently placed on the Provisional National Identification List (PNIL).

He contended that no citizen’s fundamental rights could be curtailed under any provision of the Anti-Terrorism Act without due process.

Sheikh Rashid told the court that he had served as a federal minister 17 times and was being prevented from travelling for Umrah, adding that he had traveled abroad eight times during proceedings in cases related to May 9.

The additional attorney general argued that Sheikh Rashid had been nominated in the May 9 GHQ attack case, which justified restrictions. The bench observed that it would examine the matter in detail, particularly with regard to Section 28-A, and adjourned further hearing until March 12.