Punjab Public Defender Service Act 2007: LHC told summary sent to cabinet for implementation

The Lahore High Court was informed here on Thursday that a summary has been forwarded to provincial cabinet for implementation of Punjab Public Defender Service Act 2007 for provision of free legal aid to poor litigants. Assistant advocate general Punjab, Waqas Dar, appeared before the court and sought time till the cabinet's decision.
Accordingly, the court adjourned the proceedings till June 15. Earlier, petitioner Muhammad Azhar Siddique advocate argued that Punjab government kept sleeping for four years. He said on next hearing the government might come up with an excuse the law could not be implemented as faces financial constraints. He requested the court to direct the government to allocate funds in the forthcoming budget for the purpose so that the poor could be given free legal assistance. He prayed the court to direct Punjab government to implement the said law in letter and spirit and make immediate appointment of defenders.