Prominent Pakistani Politician Sheikh Rashid Arrested on Corruption Charges, Sparks Concerns of Political Victimisation

Pakistani authorities have arrested Sheikh Rashid, a prominent politician and key ally of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, on allegations of corruption. Rashid, who is the leader of the Awami Muslim League (AML), was arrested along with two of his aides from his residence in Rawalpindi. The details of the charges against him have not been released yet. Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Rashid's nephew, expressed his concern over the arrest, stating that his uncle was not wanted in any case. He also mentioned that his elder brother and a servant were arrested by the police. Shafiq appealed to the top judiciary to take notice of the arrest of a senior politician.

 Rashid has been a loyal supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and he even served as the interior minister during Khan's government. Khan's political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), condemned Rashid's arrest on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), denouncing it as political victimization and fascism. The arrest of Sheikh Rashid appears to be part of a broader crackdown that was initiated following the violent incidents on May 9, when PTI workers set fire to several state buildings, including the official residence of Corps Commander Lahore. This is not the first time Sheikh Rashid has been at odds with the authorities.

Earlier this year in June, he accused the Islamabad police of breaking into his house and assaulting his servants. He also claimed that a group in plain clothes had tortured his employees at his Lal Haveli residence in Rawalpindi. The arrest of Rashid highlights the ongoing political tensions in Pakistan and raises concerns about potential political victimization. Many will be closely watching for further developments and the release of the specific charges against Rashid.