LAHORE: The imposition of section 144 across Punjab has been challenged in the Lahore High Court.

Two separate petitions have been filed by Insaf Lawyers Forum-Punjab President Zubair Ahmad Kasana and a citizen, Malik Najiullah.

The ILF leader states that the Punjab government imposed a ban on political activities after the PTI announced its peaceful protest. He says the PTI cannot be denied basic human rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

He asks the court to set aside the impugned notification issued by the provincial secretary for home for being illegal.

Other petition filed through Advocate Azhar Siddique argues that the imposition of section 144 in Punjab is politically motivated, aimed at preventing a peaceful protest by a political party. It requests the court to declare the notification of section 144 null and void and to suspend its enforcement until a final decision on the petition.

On July 25, the Punjab home department had imposed section 144 across the province for three days, citing threats of terrorism.

The notification stated that the ban will be in effect from July 26 to 28. It explained that section 144 was imposed for maintaining peace and protecting human lives and property.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024