The Lahore High Court (LHC) disposed of a petition against the misuse of national flag after chief secretary and home secretary Punjab gave an assurance for implementing the Pakistan Names and Emblems (prevention of unauthorised) Act 1957 under which only 12 dignitaries in Pakistan are allowed to hoist national flags on their vehicles while on board.
The petitioner, a senior member of the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA), M.D Tahir had approached the court against the misuse of national flag. He contended that most of the high government officials and advisors were using the national flag at the vehicles and offices illegally and without lawful authority.
He prayed to the court to restrain the respondents from disgracing and misusing the national flag.
A section officer of the Home Department appeared before the court and informed that the Chief Secretary Punjab had already issued a circular directing the authorities concerned to get implemented the Pakistan Flag Rules in letter and spirit.
Under the Pakistan Names and Emblems (prevention of unauthorised) Act 1957, President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman of the Senate, Speaker of the National Assembly, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Election Commissioner, Federal Ministers, Chief Justice of High Courts, Provincial Ministers and Deputy Chairman Senate could hoist national flags on their vehicles when they are on board.