An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) has rejected the request of former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed to travel for Umrah in connection with the May 9 GHQ attack case.

The decision was announced by ATC Judge Amjad Ali Shah. During the hearing, the prosecutor informed the court that Sheikh Rasheed’s name had been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL), leading the court to dismiss his application.

The prosecution stated that, on the directives of the federal government, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had added his name to the ECL, as all accused individuals in the May 9 and GHQ attack cases have been placed on the list.

Counsel for Sheikh Rasheed argued that the decision would be challenged before the High Court, maintaining that the High Court had previously granted him permission to perform Umrah and that the latest move amounted to contempt of court.

The defence further contended that superior courts, including the Supreme Court of Pakistan and relevant High Courts, have previously established that names cannot be placed on the ECL solely on the basis of pending cases, citing past rulings in high-profile matters.

Speaking briefly to the media, Sheikh Rasheed expressed surprise at the development, stating that his name had been placed on the ECL for the second time.

He added that his name had previously been removed from the list and vowed to approach the High Court again to seek permission for Umrah.