The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench issued a ruling on Monday declaring the earlier decision by local authorities to seal Sheikh Rashid’s Lal Haveli null and void. The decision comes after weeks of legal battles and controversy surrounding the iconic Lal Haveli.
Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf, presiding over the case, ordered that Sheikh Rashid’s residence be immediately unsealed, putting an end to the prolonged lockdown of the property. The court also instructed concerned authorities to conduct a fresh hearing on the matter, providing an opportunity for all parties involved to present their cases.
Sheikh Rashid, the veteran politician and chief of the Awami Muslim League (AML), expressed his delight at the court’s decision. He emphasized that Lal Haveli rightfully belongs to him, and he has been the owner for many years. The property has served as his political base for 36 years, making it a crucial symbol of his political career.
Addressing the media after the court’s decision, Sheikh Rashid expressed his regret over the events of May 9, which led to the sealing of Lal Haveli. He also expressed his staunch support for the army and sought forgiveness for any misunderstandings that may have arisen.
The legal battle over Lal Haveli’s status had been ongoing for several weeks, with a previous hearing postponed until October 30. During the recent hearing, Justice Mirza Waqas Rauf expressed frustration over the absence of Advocate Hafiz Ahsan, the legal advisor of the Punjab Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). The case began when Sheikh Siddique challenged the sealing of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s Lal Haveli on September 21, sparking a legal battle that has now culminated in the property’s unsealing and a fresh opportunity for resolution.
