‘Anti-state remarks’ Treason proceedings sought against TLP, JUI-F chiefs

Petition in LHC says country was held hostage for three days

LAHORE: In response to recent statements by different political heads, a writ petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court, requesting the federal government to initiate treason proceedings against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The petition filed by Shabbirullah, a local citizen, argued that the two political leaders had issued anti-state statements against the judiciary and the armed forces.



The petitioner implored that the TLP and JUI-F chiefs had clearly violated Article 6 of the Constitution in the name of protest. He contended that under The High Treason Act, 1973, only the federal government is empowered to initiate treason proceedings.

The petitioner prayed that the court direct the federal government to initiate proceedings against the TLP and JUI-F leaders under the charges of high treason. He pleaded that the country was held hostage for three days following their statements.

Earlier on Thursday, a sessions court in Lahore had fixed the hearing of a petition against police officials for their failure to register a case against Khadim Hussain Rizvi and others over their anti-state remarks.