Punjab Public Defender Service Act: implementation report from government sought

Lahore High Court here Tuesday sought report from Punjab government by May 21 in a petition seeking implementation of Punjab Public Defender Service Act 2007, meant for providing free legal aid to poor litigants. The court asked additional advocate general to ensure submission of Punjab government's reply by next hearing.
The petitioner's lawyer Muhammad Azhar Siddique had contended that with a view to provide free legal assistance to poor people in courts, Punjab Assembly promulgated Punjab Public Defender Service Act, 2007. He pointed out said law was going to secure better life for poor people but despite a lapse of four years, Punjab government has made no efforts so far for enforcement of such a valuable piece of law. He therefore prayed to direct Punjab government to implement the said law in letter and spirit and make immediate appointment of defenders.