POPA not extended, courts stand dissolved

LAHORE: The courts established under the Protection of Pakistan Act (POPA) stand dissolved as the Act has not been extended.

These courts were working in the districts of Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi which were respectively hearing 12, eight and two cases of terrorism and of a sectarian nature. The hearing of these cases has come to a standstill since the POPA stands lapsed, causing dissolution of the courts set up under this law. The judges of these courts have written to the Lahore High Court that cases cannot be heard further.

According to Online, the judge of the Lahore court, Ejazul Hasan, has relinquished the charge, and reported to the LHC. The law was enacted on July 14, 2014 for two years. It lapsed because it could not be laid before the parliament for extension.