LAHORE: Lahore High Court Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking an order for constitution of a joint investigation team (JIT) in the matter of recent protest by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and also slapped a fine on the petitioner.

Advocate Imran Javed Qureshi on behalf of his organisation – Legal Awareness and Protection Centre Law Firm - filed the petition. The lawyer argued that the protests after the arrest of TLP leader Saad Rizvi caused immense problems to the people and the police also failed to fulfil its responsibility.

After hearing initial contention of the lawyer, Chief Justice Khan observed that the petition was baseless and frivolous. The CJ asked the lawyer as to who would be held responsible for the loss of life and property caused by the protests.

The CJ regretted that the protesters put the lives of citizens in danger and even ambulances were not given way.

The CJ dismissed the petition as not maintainable and imposed a fine of Rs200,000 on the petitioner.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2021