Sheikh Rashid Ahmad Denied Umrah Travel Amid Legal Issues

On February 24, 2026, an Anti-Terrorism Court in Rawalpindi rejected former Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad's petition to travel for Umrah, citing his inclusion on the Exit Control List (ECL) due to the ongoing investigation into the May 9 GHQ attack case. Judge Amjad Ali Shah stated that the decision was made following federal government directives, which mandated that all suspects in the case be placed on the ECL. Sheikh Rashid's lawyer argued that this action constituted contempt of court, as the Lahore High Court had previously granted him permission to travel for Umrah. Sheikh Rashid expressed his surprise at the ruling, noting that his name had been removed from the ECL prior to this decision, and confirmed plans to challenge the ruling in the high court, stating, "I am confident that I will obtain permission and perform Umrah."