Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, the leader of Awami Muslim League and former federal interior minister, strongly condemns the police raid on Lal Haveli during Independence Day celebrations. Sheikh Rashid said that police tried to sabotage the I-Day celebrations.
He further firmly states that a harmonious and flourishing society paves the way for a serene and stable country.
In honor of Independence Day, Sheikh Rashid posted a video message on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday. He reflected on his 50-year tradition of addressing the public every August 13th between 10 pm and 11 pm.
سابق وفاقی وزیر داخلہ شیخ رشید احمد کا اہم ویڈیو پیغام جاری pic.twitter.com/EXPSsYCfIr
— Sheikh Rashid Ahmed (@ShkhRasheed) August 13, 2023
However, he expressed astonishment at a recent extensive police operation at Lal Haveli, his residence, where fireworks and loudspeakers were confiscated.
Sheikh Rashid questioned whether it was a crime to commemorate the martyrs, including Ghazi and Mujahideen, who sacrificed their lives for freedom. He clarified that the Independence Day celebration was not a protest rally and invited those with differing views to engage in conversation.
He urged the residents of Rawalpindi to prepare themselves for a rally in alternate locations like Raja Bazar, Committee Chowk, or Chandni Chowk, as Lal Haveli was no longer available. The goal remained to honor the memory of the martyrs, the Ghazi, Mujahideen, the founders of Pakistan, and the companions of Quaid-i-Azam.
Rashid recounted a recent extensive police operation at Lal Haveli, involving searches at the homes of his relatives, confiscating valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and even employees, including drivers. Protective barriers around Lal Haveli were also removed. Rashid mentioned having survived three suicide attempts and held the current rulers accountable if any terrorist incident occurred.
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He emphasized that rhetoric alone cannot establish stability in external, internal, linguistic, economic, social, and political aspects. He condemned inflation and urged adherence to the law. While expressing solidarity with Pakistan and Islam, he also denounced the events of May 9. Concluding his message, Rashid reaffirmed his commitment to his ancestry, Pakistan, and Islam, pledging unwavering friendship until the end of life.
