LHC issues arrest warrants for Lesco chief

Court directs Lesco chief to appear in court on June 5 after securing bail

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued bailable arrest warrants for Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) Chief Arshad Rafiq on account of his constant non-appearance in a contempt of court petition filed by a consultant of the company.

A retired senior superintendent of the police, Malik Naeemul Haq filed the petition and stated that Lesco had appointed him as a consultant customer services for a period of two years.

However, he said that Lesco asked him to tender resignation before expiry of his contract.

The petitioner said he refused to submit the resignation and the respondent terminated him. He pointed out that a single bench of the LHC had set aside his termination and ordered the Lesco chief to reinstate him, and also release withheld salary and allowances.

However, Haq said that the respondent had not complied with the order that amounted to contempt of court.

He asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the Lesco chief.

Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan had issued several notices to the respondent but he did not turn up.

On Tuesday, the judge issued bailable arrest warrants for the Lesco chief and directed him to appear on June 5 after securing bail against a surety bonds worth Rs200,000.