SHC disposes plea against mandatory Covid jabs

Bench imposes Rs25,000 fine on petitioner who said 'no vaccination san legislation'


Our Correspondent July 31, 2021

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has rejected a petition against mandatory coronavirus vaccination and imposed a fine of Rs25,000 on the petitioner for filing a frivolous petition and wasting the court's time.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Agha Faisal heard the petition against mandatory Covid jabs.

The petitioner, advocate Sohail Hameed, took the stance that people cannot be forced to get the Covid-19 vaccine without legislation approved by elected representatives.

The advocate contended that as per the Constitution of Pakistan, people are not bound to obey administrative orders without legislation. "The administrative powers of the federal and provincial governments are bound by the Constitution," the petitioner stated.

Justice Siddiqui remarked that a person suffering from coronavirus is a walking bomb. "The government is not only concerned about your health but also the health of others," Justice Siddiqui said.

Read More: DHO suspends vaccinations over non-payment of allowance

The court disposed of the petition against forced vaccination and also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Advocate Hameed.

Justice Siddiqui remarked that one Covid patient could sicken another 200 people. "What rights are being affected by the forced vacation? Tell me, where is the notification of the forced vaccine?" he said, imposing a fine on the petitioner.

Hearing adjourned

Another bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Fahim Ahmed Siddiqui adjourned the hearing of target killer Obaid alias K2 challenging the verdict given against him by the trial court.

The petitioner's counsel failed to appear before the court.

The target killer affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement was convicted in a case pertaining to firing on Sindh Rangers personnel. According to the prosecution, Obaid had opened fire on two personnel of the paramilitary force in Liaquatabad in 1998, killing one and injuring another.

He was awarded life imprisonment by an anti-terrorism court as well as a 10-year sentence for attempted murder.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2021.

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