Islamabad, November 5, 2025: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was reportedly barred from boarding a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah on Tuesday night, despite possessing a valid court order permitting his travel abroad.
According to sources, Sheikh Rashid arrived at Islamabad International Airport to board a flight bound for Jeddah when immigration authorities stopped him, citing his name still being on the no-fly list. The former interior minister presented the court’s directive allowing his departure, but was nonetheless denied clearance.
Speaking to media after the incident, Sheikh Rashid condemned the move as a “violation of judicial authority,” saying, “When the court allows me to travel, no agency has the right to stop me. This is contempt of court.”
His legal team confirmed they will file a petition seeking contempt proceedings against those responsible for blocking his travel.
The development has reignited debate over the implementation of court orders and the role of law enforcement agencies in politically sensitive cases.
