24-hour shrines: LHC asks govt to respond to petition

Petitioner says notification issued by Auqaf Department regarding closure of shrines after Isha prayers has annulled.

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought replies from the government, the police chief and the Auqaf Department regarding a petition demanding that shrines managed by the department be kept open around the clock. Petitioner Rana Muhammad Attique said a notification issued by the Auqaf Department regarding the closure of shrines after Isha prayers had been annulled by the court. He said the authorities were violating the court order as visitors were not allowed to visit many shrines at night. The petitioner asked the court to ensure implementation of earlier orders. A division bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial directed respondents to submit replies by March 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2014.