Sheikh Rashid stopped from travelling for Umrah despite court orders

Former interior minister was stopped by immigration officials at Islamabad International Airport

Former interior minister and senior politician Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was stopped from leaving the country despite Lahore High Court orders permitting him to perform Umrah. Rashid, who was travelling to Saudi Arabia via Dubai, was stopped by immigration officials at Islamabad International Airport.

In a video message recorded at the airport, he said he would approach the court again, adding that all relevant authorities had been provided copies of the court’s orders ensuring no obstruction.

اسلام آباد : سابق وفاقی وزیر داخلہ شیخ رشید احمد کو لاہور ہائیکورٹ راولپنڈی بینچ کے آرڈر کے باوجود عمرہ پر جانے سے اسلام آباد ائیر پورٹ پر روک لیا گیا#sheikhrasheed #SheikhRasheed pic.twitter.com/BIg8he3FMk

— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) November 5, 2025

He said, “When the high court’s order is not respected in a country, then only Allah can help us. Insha’Allah, Allah will enable me to perform Umrah and those who stopped me will regret their decision.”

Meanwhile, an FIA immigration officer, requesting anonymity, said the FIA does not independently add or remove names from the stop list. “Sheikh Rashid’s name was still on the system, and he was informed accordingly,” the officer said.