Pakistan
Anti-encroachment drive; Karachi police files FIR against Haleem Adil Sheikh and 70 associates
Karachi: A case has been registered against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker, Haleem Adil Sheikh, and 70 associates for attempted murder, interference in government duties, and disruption during an anti-encroachment drive.
The case was filed after an operation against Sheikh's family farmhouses in Karachi according to which anti-encroachment team’s encountered resistance, with protesters throwing stones at government staff and smashing windows of their vehicles.
The case was filed at Memon Goth police station in which at least 70 people including the PTI lawmaker, were named.
First Information Report (FIR) includes clauses pertaining to disturbing peace, financial loss of government property, attempted murder, assault on government employees and interference in the government's affairs.
As per officials more than 500 acres of government land worth billions have been relinquished.
The administration is claiming that the land was leased for 30 years for poultry farming and agricultural purposes but was being used for commercial purposes.
On the other hand, Haleem Adil Sheikh termed the anti-encroachment operation as an act of 'political revenge' by Sindh government, demanding the Chief Justice of Pakistan to take suo motu notice.
Earlier on Sunday, Sheikh turned to twitter and wrote, "A clear violation of court stay order today by Sindh Govt on the instructions of Double Shah-Syed Murad Ali Shah, Nasir Shah & other GS officials".
He further added, "Today the honourable court has issued an order stating this act is contempt of court & illegal. PPP will never be able to silence me.