IHC halts CDA action against wedding halls and marquees

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has restrained the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from taking action against wedding halls and marquees in the city.

Justice Inam Amin Minhas issued a written order during a hearing on a petition filed by Ghulam Moinul Haq Gilani.

The court has directed all parties involved to submit para-wise comments within 15 days and ordered that no punitive action be taken until the next hearing.

According to the petitioner’s counsel, the CDA had issued directives on 16 August 2023, which were said to adversely impact the fundamental rights of the petitioner due to changes in relevant legislation.

The case has been adjourned until 21 May for further proceedings.

Earlier, over 360 guests were affected by food poisoning at a wedding reception in Johar Town, Lahore, with more than 200 hospitalised and several reported in critical condition.

The incident occurred at a private marquee in Satto Katla, booked by Sarfraz, a resident of Khayaban-e-Amin, for his wedding ceremony.

According to initial reports, guests began experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain shortly after the meal was served.

Emergency services responded promptly, and multiple ambulances transported the victims to various hospitals across Lahore.

Nine patients were reported to be in critical condition at General Hospital Lahore. Other affected guests were treated at Raiwind Indus Hospital (27 patients), University of Lahore Hospital (7), Kasur DHQ Hospital (over 10), and hospitals in Narowal (31).

Sarfraz blamed the marquee management for serving unhygienic and substandard food. In response, food safety officials collected food samples for testing, and local authorities launched an investigation. An FIR was registered, and officials vowed strict action if negligence was confirmed.