LAHORE – The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought reply from the Punjab Government on a plea seeking policy to regulate demonstrations and protests in the province especially in Lahore, and some administrative actions against Paramedical Alliance President over the death of an old lady during the demo before PIC.
Petitioner-Lawyer Mian Asad Mahmud said that Punjab Paramedical Alliance (PPA) on Feb 8 had staged a protest before the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) demanding professional allowance, revision of service structure for lower grad employees and pay protection.
He submitted that such kinds of protests and blocking the traffic were causing disturbance for the public at large and during the protest of PPA an old lady Saleema Bibi, en-rout to PIC for emergency medical treatment, lost her life.
Petitioner contended that PPA’s style of protest was not in professional way as they have a right to protest but they don’t have right to stop any ambulance carrying patients.
He pointed out that protests were increasing day by day and the city is witnessing at least two to three protests daily which were causing problems for the commuters and disturbing routine life of masses.
He requested for directions to Punjab government to devise a strategy to regulate the protests. Petitioner also prayed to penalise the PPA President Malik Munir for his neglecting act of causing a loss of an old lady by adopting illegal way of protest.
After recording initial arguments, Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik issued notices to Punjab government, Secretary Health and PPA president for Feb 17.
The court also directed the petitioner to make party to Capital City Police Officer, Lahore and other police officers in the petition.