LHC summons PM in Holy Quran printing case

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday summoned in person the caretaker prime minister and Punjab chief minister in response to the “non-serious” and “uncooperative” attitude of the federal and provincial governments over a plea challenging the publication of the Holy Quran without the permission of the Quran Board.

"This is not a case for this court or any one [person], but all of us," remarked LHC's Justice Shujaat Ali Khan.
Justice Shujaat’s remarks came while hearing a plea seeking the implementation of the court's earlier orders.

Besides Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan has also been summoned by the court on October 16.

Petitioner Hassan Moavia has sought action against those responsible, contending that he went from pillar to post but the concerned quarters have done nothing except acting as silent spectators.

As proceedings commenced, the judge got irked on being told that the federal government had not submitted a report regarding the matter despite repeatedly being directed to. Expressing displeasure over eight months having been passed, Justice Shujaat asked what the officers have been up to during this time.

“This court is left with no option other than to summon the chief executives,” he said.

To this, the federal government's counsel sought a last opportunity to submit the report. However, the court snubbed the counsel. “It appears that the concerned officials have not placed the matter before the PM,” Justice Shujaat remarked.

During the hearing, Additional Inspector General Police Shehzada Sultan told the court that they have limited powers. At this, Justice Shujaat responded that, “Everyone knows how much you people act upon your powers.”