Final arguments sought in plea against formation of public sector firms 

Saaf Pani case 

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court chief justice on Wednesday sought final arguments on a petition challenging recruitment process at the Punjab Saaf Pani Company and establishment of all public sector companies in the province.

Other companies include Punjab Agricultural and Meat Company, Lahore Waste Management Company, Lahore Parking Company and Lahore Transport Company. Advocate Sheraz Zaka filed the petition saying the provincial companies could not be established under  the federal statute of Companies Ordinance 1984. He argued that there should have been a provincial law to form such companies.

The petitioner pointed out that recruitment process at the Saaf Pani Company had been initiated while its establishment was already assailed before the court. He said the process should be immediately stopped. An additional advocate general requested the court to adjourn the hearing for a month.

However, the chief justice declined the request and observed the matter should be heard on an urgent basis. The chief justice issued notices to chief secretary, secretary local government and directed the law officer and fixed hearing for final arguments April 6.