SRINAGAR: Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, 85, father of jailed Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid, passed away late last night at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi following a prolonged illness.
He was first admitted to the Chest Diseases Hospital in Srinagar and later transferred to SMHS Hospital as his condition worsened. After a further deterioration in health, he was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi on May 2, 2026, where he remained under treatment until his demise.
The death was confirmed through a social media account associated with “Er Rashid”.
Engineer Rashid has been lodged in Tihar Jail since 2019 following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency in connection with a 2017 terror-funding case.
In late April, the Delhi High Court granted him one-week interim bail to allow him to visit his ailing father. He was later taken back into custody after the bail period expired.
Following the bereavement, the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) expressed grief and called upon the authorities to permit the jailed MP to attend the funeral and last rites on humanitarian grounds.
AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi described the deceased as a respected teacher and an honourable figure known for his contribution to education, moral values, and society. He said the late Sheikh remained a source of support for Engineer Rashid throughout his personal and public life.
The party said the death had caused profound grief among family members, relatives, supporters, and well-wishers across Jammu and Kashmir.
In its appeal to the Government of India and concerned authorities, the AIP urged that Engineer Rashid be granted immediate permission or release to attend the funeral prayers and final rites of his father.
It further stated that humanitarian considerations should prevail in times of personal loss, adding that a son should not be denied the opportunity to bid a final farewell to his father.
