Rawalpindi: Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench directed Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) to immediately de-seal Awami Muslim League (AML) Chief Sheikh Rasheed’s Lal Haveli residence in Rawalpindi.

Earlier today, ETPB had sealed Rasheed Ahmed’s Lal Haveli residence in Rawalpindi over “Illegal occupation”. Subsequently, Rasheed approached LHC against move, stating that EPTB officials were “Misusing their powers under orders of political high-ups”. Petition urged court to declare move “Illegal, unlawful and contrary to norms of justice” while also asking for board to be restrained from “Adopting coercive measures against petitioners for their forcible eviction form properties”.

Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf presided over today’s hearing, during which EPTB administrator appeared with relevant records. He argued that Lal Haveli was not sealed, adjoining property was. Rasheed protested to claim, saying that he was “An old man”. “I don’t lie. Lal Haveli was sealed,” he told court.

 His lawyer also presented photograph of residence being sealed to court. Judge reprimanded EPTB administrator for not presenting clear stance and directed Board to immediately de-seal property.

Court also directed EPTB to resolve matter, which concerns 7 units, within 15 days after listening to petitioner’s stance and disposed of petition. According to ETPB Deputy Commissioner Asif Khan, two units of Lal Haveli and five adjoining units were sealed after teams of Board along with Federal Investigation Agency arrived at spot early morning.

Khan said Rashid’s ownership of these Lal Haveli units had been cancelled over illegal occupation of land. Several notices had also been issued to Rashid and his brother in this regard, he added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 31 2023

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