LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday disposed of a petition of former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad after the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) said an inquiry against the petitioner had been closed.

The former minister had challenged the call-up notices served by the ACE during the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab.

The ACE had accused him of misappropriation of millions of rupees on account of fee in the sale of a land to Royal Residencia Islamabad Housing Society. The agency had also summoned the housing society administration for investigation.

On Monday, a counsel for the ACE submitted a report before the court, saying the allegations against the petitioner had not been established. Sheikh Rashid was also present in the court.

Justice Amjad Rafiq disposed of the petition of Sheikh Rashid, chief of the Awami Muslim League, in the light of the ACE report.

In this case, the court had previously restrained the agency from taking coercive measures against the former minister.

Talking to the newsman, Rashid said the coalition government became unpopular among the masses due to its failed economic policies. He said an unpopular government could not sustain in the country.

He also criticised the incumbent rulers for appearing for “photo sessions only” in the flood-hit areas. He said the country’s economy was in a shambles and nobody was ready to give money to the government.

He vowed to stand by former prime minister Imran Khan like a rock against all odds.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2022