LHC demands Punjab govt’s reply on Section 144

Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim has asked the Punjab government to respond to a petition challenging the notification imposing Section 144 in the province.

Petitioner Najiullah argued that repeatedly enforcing this law, which bans public gatherings, infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights to organise political activities and protest peacefully.

The petitioner’s counsel, Azhar Siddique, stated that the Constitution allows peaceful protests, and the government cannot lawfully prevent citizens from exercising this right. He requested the court to nullify the notification imposing Section 144.

The Punjab government had imposed Section 144 from November 23 to November 25, banning protests, rallies, and sit-ins across the province. 

A notification issued by the Punjab Home Department cited security concerns, stating that public gatherings could be targeted by miscreants or exploited for anti-state activities.

The decision, recommended by the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order, was aimed at maintaining peace, safeguarding lives, and protecting property. 

The court’s response to this challenge will determine the legality of the government’s decision.