LAHORE - Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah yesterday expressed serious concerns over non-payment of pension to the retired officials and observed that contempt proceedings would be started against the government if it was not willing to pay them.

The CJ summoned special secretary finance with clear answer on the next hearing and put off further hearing until Oct 10.

During the hearing, a law officer on behalf of the Punjab government requested the court to give more time to present detailed report regarding schedule for payment of arrears. This request of the law officer angered the Chief Justice who observed that payment of dues was bound on the governed and it was not going to do any favor.

The CJ observed that this attitude of the government of seeking time again and again was not suitable. The Law officer requested the court that a summery was lying pending before the Punjab CM regarding schedule for arrears of the retired officials and pleaded for last chance. 

The law officer assured the court that he would submit schedule of arrears payment on the next hearing. The court allowed requested and summoned the Special Secretary Finance with direction to submit clear stance on the next hearing.

Earlier, the retired officials had filed contempt petition against the Punjab government for not complying with the court’s orders. They said despite clear orders of the court, they were not being paid their dues. They requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the authorities concerned.

Reply sought from

petroleum ministry

The Lahore High Court yesterday sought replies from Ministry of Petroleum and Ogra in a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf against proposed increase of 17 percent sales tax on oil products.

Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed, opposition leader in Punjab Assembly, said that parliament did not give approval of 17 percent sales tax on POL products. He said it was against the Constitution. He prayed the court to bar the government from collecting 17 percent sales tax on POL products. The court adjourned hearing for two weeks.

In another petition against exhibition of Indian movies, the LHC issued notice to Federal Censor Board and sought reply until October 25.

LHC moved against Khan

Watan Party yesterday filed a contempt petition in Supreme Court against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf Chief Imran Khan for holding public gathering at Adda Plot near the residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at Raiwind.

Barrister Zafarullah Khan of Watan Party filed the petition and submitted that Imran Khan emphasised over Panama leaks issue in his speech at Adda Plot. He said the issue of Panama leaks was the issue which was subjudice before the SC. He said why he talked about a subjudice matter. He said a full bench was constituted for hearing of Panama leaks. Thus, taking up the issue of Panama leaks at Adda Plot in Raiwind was contempt of court, said the petitioner. He prayed the court to initiate contempt proceedings against Khan.