Punjab reply sought in school children security case

LAHORE

The Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought a comprehensive reply from the Punjab government on a petition seeking security arrangements for school children in the wake of increasing abduction incidents in different cities of the province.

The court also directed the government to submit report about appointment of security guards at buses, vans and rickshaws used for transportation of school children, and steps taken to stop illegal transplantation of children’s organs.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the order while hearing the matter of alleged abduction of children from various cities of Punjab. The CJ also constituted a committee and tasked it to come up with suggestions as how the security of the children was possible.

Earlier, police told the court that 66 children were missing but they were making efforts for their recovery. They said they would recover them soon. During the hearing, Punjab Human Transplant Authority’s Administrator Faisal Masood said illegal transplantation of organs was continued in private institutions owned by influential people. He said police despite knowing them did not dare to arrest them. He told the court that such elements could easily be taken to justice with engaging the services of provincial intelligence wings. An officer on behalf of school education appeared in the court and said that a notification regarding deployment of security guards at school buses, vans and rickshaws had been issued.

During the hearing, the CJ directed Pemra and TV channels to advertise the recovered children so that they could reach their homes. The CJ also directed police to submit report of previous five years regarding recovery of children and provide it to Child Protection Bureau for positive steps for their welfare. The court adjourned hearing until October 27.

MQM case: The Lahore High Court chief justice on Tuesday directed the federal government to submit a comprehensive reply on a petition seeking cancellation of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) registration as a political party.

As the hearing started, the petitioner's counsel contended that an application for cancellation of MQM registration was still lying pending with the government and it should decide it as early as possible. A standing counsel told the court that any citizen could submit an application to the federal government on any matter. However, he said, it was the prerogative of the government whether to decide the application.

The petitioner's counsel argued that a political party registered in Pakistan had to be faithful to the country. He said recent statements of MQM chief Altaf Hussain established that the party was no more faithful to the country. He asked the court to order the government to cancel registration of the MQM as a political party.

After hearing arguments, Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah directed the government counsel to submit a detailed reply to the court on the petition and referred the matter to a full bench already hearing a petition seeking a ban on the activities of the MQM chief.  The court will resume hearing on October 5.