LHC summons replies, hearing against PAT protest tomorrow

LAHORE: A three-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) heard the petitions against the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) led protest of opposition parties, which is scheduled to take place on Mall Road tomorrow (January 17).

The bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan and comprising Justices Shahid Jamil Khan and Shahid Karim also heard the petition of AK Dogar. The petition states that the ‘grand protest’ is against the state and political parties should not take part in it.

In the arguments presented by the petitioner’s side, it was stated that Mall Road is an economic hub and the protest will hinder livelihoods of people. The petitioner stated that Nasir Bagh should be considered as the alternate venue for the protest.

After the arguments, the LHC sought replies from the federal government, PEMRA and other parties. The hearing is scheduled to resume at 9 AM tomorrow (Wednesday).

The administration had stated earlier that people protesting should not choose Mall Road, as Section 144 is in place in that area which forbids more than four people to gather at one place.

Meanwhile, the LHC dismissed the plea requesting an initial order to stop the protest.

Earlier, the LHC chief justice had formed a three-member bench, to be headed by Justice Farrukh Irfan Khan and comprising Justices Shahid Karim and Aminuddin Khan.

However, later, Justice Irfan recused himself from the case for personal reasons.

Punjab govt issues protest guidelines 

As preparations for PAT’s ‘grand protest’, being attended by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Peoples Party are under way, the Punjab government

In a message on Twitter, the Punjab government stated that protests in open places are not recommended in lights of threats to public gatherings. 

However, it said since the rally participants are adamant, "they will be solely responsible for any untoward incident". 

"There should not be exhilaration/hooting in front of the offices of political/religious parties. Also, no speeches will be allowed against the constitutional offices/armed forces/judiciary.

No one shall be forced to close their business.

Organisers shall be responsible for any damage to the public property. The participants of the rally shall not be urged/provoked to break the cordon or security barrier," states the notification. 

The government also noted that the LHC has banned gatherings on Mall Road "so holding such a protest on the said venue will tantamount to contempt".

Don’t infringe on rights of others while exercising yours, Punjab govt tells PAT

In a press conference held today, Punjab government spokesman and provincial ministers attempted to explain in detail why there is no justification for PAT to hold the protest when it has been petitioning courts multiple times for the same issue.

Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmed Khan, however, said that if PAT has decided to go ahead with the protest, it should ensure the rally is peaceful and devoid of any disorder.

The minister said that the city's residents, including business community and students, are concerned about traffic and security issues, adding that PAT should ensure it does not infringe upon the rights of others while exercising its own. 

'Schools on Mall Road, vicinity to be closed' 

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has announced that schools located on Mall Road and surrounding areas will be closed for the PAT-led protest.

According to officials in the Punjab Education Ministry, the decision to close the schools was made due to the protest and resulting traffic jams.