Anti-state remarks: LHC seeks copy of application for MQM ban

Under the Political Parties Ordinance 2002, the federal govt could ban a party not loyal to the state: Petitioner

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday asked the petitioner’s counsel to submit a copy of the application he had sent to the federal government for the cancellation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s registration (MQM). The court also allowed him to amend his petition accordingly.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing the petition filed by Aftab Virk challenging MQM’s registration as political party after its chief Altaf Hussain had made an anti-state statements. Counsel for the petitioner said Hussain’s anti-Pakistan statements showed that the MQM and its leadership had no love for the country. He said that under the Political Parties Ordinance 2002, the federal government could ban a party not loyal to the state.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2016.