SHC issues notices on MQM-H's plea to hold public gathering

Conducting political activities is a constitutional right, court told

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued on Monday notices to the provincial authorities on a petition seeking permission for the Muhajir Qaumi Movement - Haqiqi (MQM-H) to hold its public gathering next month.

A two-judge bench also directed the law officer to submit comments of the home secretary, Karachi commissioner and others by August 28.



The MQM-H, a splinter faction of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, led by Afaq Ahmed, had approached the court against the provincial authorities for not permitting the party to conduct public meetings. The home secretary, Karachi commissioner, Korangi SSP and deputy commissioner and others were cited as respondents in the petition.

The court was told in the petition that MQM-H had planned to hold a gathering in the second week of September and requested the home department and the local authorities to grant permission for the purpose. However, the authorities did not grant permission, the MQM-H's lawyer informed the court.

The lawyer further argued that conducting political activities and public gatherings was a right of the petitioner, as enshrined in the Constitution. The court was pleaded to direct the home department and relevant local authorities to allow the petitioner to hold public gathering.



After hearing initial arguments, the bench issued notices to the Sindh advocate-general and others to file comments on behalf of the respondents by August 28.