The Lal Haveli residence of Awami Muslim League Chairman Sheikh Rashid has been sealed by authorities in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The building’s registry was cancelled after proceedings, according to an official. The property is now under the management and control of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).
The ETPB Deputy Administrator clarified that the registry was not fake and directed the deputy administrator in Rawalpindi to seal the property. The order was issued to declare D-156, D-157, and D-158 as evacuee trust properties.
There was no resistance faced during the sealing process, which was conducted with the presence of police personnel. The dispute over the property’s ownership arose when the ETPB claimed that the ownership documents of one unit were fake.
According to the ETPB, Sheikh Rashid allegedly took possession of all seven units by threatening and forcibly removing tenants when he became a minister in 2006. However, Sheikh Rashid denies these claims and states that the dispute is limited to a trust property of 100 square feet with a kitchen.
Following the sealing of the property, Sheikh Rashid approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) to challenge the move. The LHC directed the ETPB to de-seal the property and resolve the ownership matters within 15 days.
The ETPB Chairman’s order stated that the properties in question are trust properties and the documents related to the change in title and status should be set aside. On the other hand, Sheikh Rashid’s brother, Sheikh Sadeeq, filed a plea against the reference made by the ETPB.
The ETPB Chairman’s order concluded that Lal Haveli overlaps with D-158, which is a trust property. The sale deeds for the other properties alleged as D-156 and D-157 were deemed fake and flawed. The ETPB Deputy Administrator has been directed to take control of Lal Haveli and cancel the permits and sale deeds.
In response, Sadeeq filed another plea, requesting the de-sealing of Lal Haveli and for the ETPB to refrain from interfering with his possession of the property.
For the latest updates on this matter, stay tuned.