Sheikh Rashid's nomination papers for NA-26 by-poll accepted

Jail authorities fail to present Rashid before RO due to 'security concerns'

RAWALPINDI:

The nomination papers of Awami Muslim League (AML) chief and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid for the by-poll in NA-62 Rawalpindi constituency were accepted on Saturday, reported Express News.

Rashid had been summoned by the returning officer (RO) to join the scrutiny process. However, he could not appear "due to security concerns", jail authorities informed the returning officer.

The AML chief's nephew and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafique as well as former Punjab Assembly MPA Raja Rashid Hafeez were present at the RO's office.

Talking to the media, Rashid Shafique said it was informed via a phone call from the prison that the former minister would not be presented before the RO.

Read Sheikh Rashid approaches IHC for post-arrest bail

Rashid's nephew said that the RO has approved the AML chief's nomination papers without his physical appearance, adding that "he will get justice in the coming week".

He furthered that there is no charge of corruption against Rashid. "Today we will request that the money and items that were taken by the Islamabad police from his house be handed over," he said.

Rashid has declared that he stands with Imran Khan "till the last drop of blood," the former MNA said.

The former minister has also stated that he is "mentally ready to contest elections from jail," reported Express News.

The AML chief has been in jail since last week when a court in Islamabad approved his judicial remand in a case pertaining to murder plot allegations against former president Asif Ali Zardari.