LHC says forcing citizens to stand in queues for purchasing sugar is violation of rights

Making people stand in long queues and asking them for their identity cards to buy sugar is a violation of fundamental human rights, the Lahore High Court said Wednesday.

The high court's comments came during the hearing of a case pertaining to long queues of people outside Ramadan bazaars for the procurement of sugar.

"It is the government's job to control prices," the court remarked.

Responding to the court's comments, the public prosecutor said long queues were common whenever there is a sale at a store — it even happens in Europe.

At the public prosecutor's comparison of Ramadan bazaars to European markers, the court expressed anger. "Are sales placed on basic necessities in Europe?"

Later, the high court asked secretaries to ensure immediate measures to redress the situation, while adjourning the hearing.