Home secretary told to decide NGO’s fate

Operations of Taangh Wasaib have been banned over ‘anti-state activities’

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court directed on Monday the Punjab home secretary to decide within two weeks the case of Taangh Wasaib, a non-government organisation banned by the government recently over ‘anti-state activities’.

The organisation through its counsel contended the Punjab Home Department had banned its functioning in the province on the allegations of being involved in anti-state activities.

The lawyer argued the petitioner-organisation had been working for communal harmony, gender equality and respect of human rights since 1998.

The government, he alleged, put the ban on the basis of mere allegations and no opportunity of hearing was given to the organisation before taking the action.

The lawyer requested the court to set aside the ban.

On Monday, LHC Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah disposed of the petition and directed the home secretary to decide the matter within two weeks.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2017.