OPC barred from meddling in civil, criminal cases

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday ruled that Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission’s (OPC) interference in civil and criminal nature cases is unconstitutional and permanently barred the commission from doing so.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah issued the order while accepting petitions moved against proceedings initiated by the overseas commission against them regarding disputes already pending before different courts of law. The petitioners through their counsel contended that the overseas commission had been violating laws by taking up complaints pertained to properties disputes, which were already sub-judice before courts. The lawyers stated that the commission with the help of police also had been making arrests and procuring possession of disputed properties.

They argued that the commission could only furnish recommendations for the resolution of disputes of overseas Pakistanis and had no power to issue summons or make arrests with the support of police. Opposing the petitions, Additional Advocate General Anwaar Hussain argued that the commission was supposed to protect properties of citizens living outside the country. He said Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission Act, 2014 was in fact introduced to protect the rights of the citizens living abroad. However, the chief justice observed that the commission could not work parallel to the judicial proceedings pending before courts. He further said the commission could not assume jurisdiction of court. Chief Justice Shah allowed the petitions and said the decision would be released soon.

Convicted: An Additional District and Sessions Court on Monday awarded a three months jail term to a drug peddler. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs2,000 on the convict. In case of default in payment of fine, the convict would further face 10 days jail term. Police had arrested Razzaq and had seized 400 gram hashish from his possession. Later, a challan was submitted before the court declaring him guilty of drug trafficking. The court after hearing the final arguments of both the parties convicted the drug pusher.