Newly appointed Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid allegedly manhandled an elderly woman who attempted to meet him and later damaged the cellphone of a cameraman who had managed to record the incident, it emerged on Wednesday.

Channel 24 cameraman Aqib, whose phone was allegedly damaged, narrated details of the episode that took place on Tuesday afternoon to DawnNewsTV. Rashid, chief of the Awami Muslim League, has denied the allegations.

A photo of cameraman Aqib's damaged phone. — Photo by author
A photo of cameraman Aqib's damaged phone. — Photo by author

According to the cameraman, the incident occurred when he and a reporter had reached Rashid's Lal Haveli residence in Rawalpindi to record an Eid-related programme.

While they were there, an elderly poor woman tried to enter Rashid's house to meet him and reportedly seek financial help, but was stopped by the security guards posted at the gate.

The woman started crying upon being refused entry, Aqib told DawnNewsTV. Hearing the commotion, Rashid stepped out of his home and after a reported exchange of words, the AML leader allegedly shoved the woman away.

Rashid then turned towards Aqib, who was recording the incident through his cellphone's camera a few feet away. He allegedly snatched the phone from Aqib and slammed it onto a concrete block, the cameraman claimed.

No complaint has been filed with the police regarding the incident by the woman or the cameraman.

Meanwhile, Rashid while talking to DawnNewsTV denied manhandling the woman or damaging the cameraman's phone.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
31 Mar, 2025

Not helping

THE continued detention of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders — including Dr Mahrang Baloch in Quetta and Sammi ...
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...