Sheikh Rashid challenges govt to invoke Article 6

RAWALPINDI, July 15: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday heard the petition against the summoning of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE). The Punjab chief secretary, home secretary, ACE director general and others had been made parties in the petition. The former interior minister appeared and adopted before the court that there was a Rs670 million contract with Royal Residencia for the sale of 149-Kanal land in Attock district. “At least Rs100 million were received in advance from the Royal Residencia, and the payment of the remaining Rs570 million was completed by February 23, 2022,” he stated. “The agreement for the sale of the land was by no means illegal,” Sheikh Rashid maintained in the court, adding that he did not violate any law by selling the land that had been declared in the income tax returns. He also stated before the court that the ACE launched an illegal inquiry against him, demanding that the notice for his summoning in the ACE on July 15 should be declared null and void. “The harassment by the ACE should also be stopped till the final decision of the petition,” he demanded. Later, while talking to media on the high court premises, Sheikh Rashid criticised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and said: “The day Shehbaz Sharif tells the truth will be the last day of his life.” While commenting on the decrease in petrol prices by the government, he said: “I think petrol has been increased by Rs13.” He also challenged the government, “If you have the courage, show it by applying Article 6.” He maintained, “This is an additional note of the Supreme Court, not a decision. The Article 6 does not come even close to this.” He pointed out while hinting at the upcoming by-polls, “If the people make the right decision the day after tomorrow, all of their [government’s] efforts will go in vain.” He also came down hard on Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and termed him a drug dealer and murderer. “Even the father of Rana Sanaullah cannot apply Article 6,” he added. -NNI