The Lahore High Court on Monday sought reply from the federal government on a petition challenging the "Plan-B" of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) for holding demonstrations in major cities. The petitioner's counsel contended that JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazalur Rehman after ending the Islamabad sit-in/Azadi March announced "Plan B" and expanded their protest activities across the country. He said the party blocked main thoroughfares in all provinces causing serious trouble to the public at large. He argued that the act of the respondent party was a clear violation of the Constitution which guaranteed right of free movement.

He said by blocking public roads, JUI-F leaders were liable for punishment of abetting and instigating the commission of an offence. He argued the respondent put the country under serious threat and created a law and order situation just for the sake of political gains. He said the government was duty bound to protect fundamental rights of citizens.

The counsel asked the court to restrain the JUI-F chief and its other leaders from blocking and obstructing roads. He also asked the court to order the government to take action against the protestors under the law.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019