SHC restrains police, agencies from taking action against Haleem

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained police and other agencies from taking any illegal action while seeking replies from the provincial and federal governments, NAB, FIA, and other institutions on a petition against a raid on the house of Haleem Adil Sheikh, leader of the opposition in Sindh Assembly.

While appearing before a two-judge bench, headed by Justice KK Agha, on Monday, counsel for the petitioner, Raj Ali Wahid Advocate, argued that an illegal raid is one that is conducted without a warrant or an FIR. He further argued that his client and his family were repeatedly harassed by police.

The counsel prayed the court ask the government for details if there is any new inquiry against his client. The bench directed the provincial and federal governments, NAB, FIA, and other institutions to submit replies on the petition. In the meantime, it stopped police and other agencies from taking any illegal action against Sheikh.

The court also sought details of the cases and inquiries against Sheikh, while ordering submission of a written reply on Dec 6.

The petition was filed by Sheikh's daughter.

"Several FIRs have been lodged against my father to politically victimize him," the petitioner stated. "Our home has been searched despite the fact that my father has been on bail in these cases. Everyone is aware that my sister's wedding ceremony is taking place on November 27. Still our house was raided on the evening of November 17. They tried to force their entry into our house and harassed the guards."

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2022.