Punjab Assembly opposition MPAs challenge Section 144
LAHORE: Punjab Assembly opposition members Ejaz Shafi, Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood and others have challenged the restrictions imposed under Section 144 of CrPC across the province before the Lahore High Court. A joint petition, filed through Advocate Azhar Siddique, contends that the recent imposition of Section 144 was aimed at preventing the PTI protest and sit-in. It questions the timing and legal…
LAHORE: Opposition lawmakers Ejaz Shafi, Sheikh Imtiaz Mahmood, and others have contested the Section 144 restrictions across Punjab in front of the Lahore High Court. Advocate Azhar Siddique filed a joint petition asserting that the recent Section 144 enforcement was meant to curb the PTI protest and sit-in. They question the timing and legal basis for imposing Section 144 just a few days before the protest, now canceled.
The petition asserts that the restrictions have been in place for 13 days, rather than being confined to areas with a specific threat. It argues that restrictions on peaceful assembly and political activities infringe on constitutional rights. The petition requests the court to summon the official record and evaluate the constitutional limits of the government's authority to impose Section 144, particularly concerning fundamental rights and administrative power.
The petitioners also ask the court to inquire into the legal basis for any possible suspension or restriction of mobile phone and internet services. Through an interim application, they seek the suspension of restrictions on peaceful and unarmed gatherings. They also request the court to stop authorities from arresting, detaining, or filing FIRs against individuals merely for participating in peaceful political activities.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
