LAHORE - PTI, while objecting to maintainability of the petitions filed against Azadi and long marches, has told the LHC full bench that a writ cannot be issued against a citizen under Article 199.
As the proceedings commenced on Thursday, Advocate Salman Makhdoom of PTI appeared before the full bench headed by Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan. The counsel said that the petitions filed against Azadi march and Islamabad sit-in was not maintainable, adding that the same matter was being heard by the Supreme Court. However, the petitioner’s counsel Advocate AK Dogar argued that the basic writ was sought against the government, saying that the constitution empowered the court to protect rights of citizens.
The Article 5 required that every citizen would remain loyal to the state, he said, adding, “Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri had been inciting people for anarchy for the last three months.” Later on, the LHC bench adjourned the further proceedings till Nov 03, directing both the parties to come up with more arguments. The hearing of the petition seeking registration of treason case against Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri also adjourned for the same date.
BAN ON DR QADRI: An LHC full bench on Thursday directed Punjab government to submit report about murderous attempt on Dr Tahirul Qadri, warning that Punjab chief minister could be summoned on its absence.
Despite several orders of the court, the government has failed to submit the report. As the proceedings started, Additional Home Secretary Ehtasham Anwar appeared before the court and told the bench that Home Secretary Afam Suleman was engaged in activities relating to Wagaha Border incident.
Whereas, the court hinted to summon the Punjab chief minister if the government could not submit report on the next hearing. Further hearing was adjourned till November 13.
Amjad Ali, a local resident had filed the petition and submitted that Dr Qadri was booked under terrorism and other grave charges and he has not secured bail in any of the case registered by police. Now Qardi had flown away to Canada without any difficulty, he maintained.
Petitioner said Dr Qadri was trying to create a chaos in the country by his speeches and activities. He also stated that police should be ordered to arrest the PAT chief in light of cases registered against him. He also sought a permanent ban on his party Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT).