Section 144 in Punjab challenged in Lahore High Court

Petitioner says imposition of Section 144 in province aimed at preventing peaceful protest by a political party

The enforcement of Section 144 in Punjab has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, Express News reported.

The petition was filed by Advocate Azhar Siddique, naming the Punjab government, the Home Secretary of Punjab, and the Deputy Commissioners as respondents.

According to the petitioner, the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab was politically motivated and aimed at preventing a peaceful protest by a political party.

Siddique argued that the enforcement was used to suppress the political activities of a specific group.

The petition calls for the court to nullify the notification of Section 144 and suspend its enforcement until a final decision is made on the petition.

The Punjab Home Department enforced Section 144, citing the maintenance of law and order, following a call for a sit-in by Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf and Jamaat-e-Islami in Islamabad.

The measure, effective from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, is aimed to maintain law and order.

The notification issued on Wednesday mandates the enforcement of Section 144, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people.

Any violation of the order could lead to legal action.

The administration is tasked with ensuring strict implementation of this order across the province and the capital.