Court voids permission granted to Sheikh Rashid for Umrah travel

ISLAMABAD: A court has struck down the permission previously granted to Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed to travel for Umrah, ruling that the anti-terrorism court (ATC) is the competent forum to approve any such travel request.

ATC declared proper forum for travel approval

The court declared that the earlier permission allowing Sheikh Rashid to perform Umrah was void, holding that the matter of granting travel approval fell within the jurisdiction of the anti-terrorism court. The ruling effectively means that any request by the former interior minister for permission to travel abroad must be routed through the ATC, which is handling cases against him.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, who heads the Awami Muslim League, has been embroiled in legal proceedings and faces cases before the anti-terrorism court. The court's decision to void his Umrah permission underscores the legal position that travel approvals for individuals facing ATC cases must be sought from the relevant anti-terrorism court rather than any other judicial forum.

Background

Sheikh Rashid, a veteran politician who previously served as federal interior minister, has been involved in multiple legal cases. The politician had earlier secured permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, but that approval has now been nullified by the court's latest order.

The ruling reinforces the principle that anti-terrorism courts retain the authority to regulate the movement and travel of individuals who are accused in cases pending before them. By voiding the travel permission, the court has made it clear that Sheikh Rashid will need to approach the ATC if he wishes to seek approval for any future travel plans.

The decision is significant as it settles the question of jurisdictional competence regarding travel permissions for individuals facing terrorism-related charges, affirming the ATC's exclusive authority in such matters.