Ahmadi-owned products: Lahore lawyers stick to ban in face of criticism

Minority lawyers term the decision condemnable and disappointing.

LAHORE: The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) received strong criticism from minority lawyers over the proposed ban of Shezan drinks at the premises of lower courts.

The decision to ban Ahmadi-owned products on the premises of subordinate courts was reached earlier at the LBA’s bar room following the recommendations of Advocate Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry, president of the Khatme Nabuwat Lawyers Forum (KNLF).

According to a statement by LBA President Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali, the proposed decision was being taken into the general house, however the procedural move was unlikely to change LBA’s stance on the ban. Zulfiqar said a team has been formed to ensure that the decision taken by the house was implemented, and vowed tough action against those found buying or selling Ahmadi-owned products on court premises.

Asked about his opinion on the subject, he said, “One thing is very clear that Shezan will not be allowed in subordinate courts.”

Lawyers belonging to the Ahmadiya community, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the decision was condemnable and disappointing.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 13^th, 2012.