KARACHI : Imran challenges ban on entry into Sindh
By Shujaat Ali Khan
KARACHI, Sept 26: Tehrik-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan moved the Sindh High Court on Wednesday against the ban imposed by the provincial government on his entry in Sindh.
Filed through Advocates Mohammad Usman and Iqbal, the petition says that Imran Khan planned to visit Karachi on Sept 12 to lead a procession of his party in support of democracy and human rights and attend a party office-bearers’ meeting. The provincial government imposed Section 144 in Karachi and banned his entry on Sept 11 to frustrate his plans. The ban, it said, contravened Article 15 of the Constitution, which allowed every citizen to move freely throughout Pakistan.
The government, the petition said, had no ground to believe that Imran Khan’s presence in Sindh would disturb peace in Karachi. The order was mala fide and tainted with malice as it was issued following a campaign of offensive wall chalking against him by a party in the ruling coalition.
Naming the Sindh chief secretary and the home secretary as respondents, it prayed that the ban be declared unlawful and of no legal effect. The petition is fixed for hearing on Thursday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed and Justice Faisal Arab.
Bullet-proof car for Benazir
The Sindh High Court asked a federal attorney on Wednesday to seek instructions from the ministry of interior about the application submitted by Pakistan People’s Party Chairperson Benazir Bhutto for import of a bullet-proof car and submit his comments on Friday.
Appearing in response to a notice, federal government standing counsel Tariq Ali submitted before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sabihuddin Ahmed and Justice Faisal Arab that he did not have a copy of the petition and had no instructions from the interior ministry. He was not aware whether the PPP chief had moved the ministry for the import of a bullet-proof car. But according to a recent media report, he added, Ms Bhutto’s request had been allowed. He sought a week’s time ascertain the correct position.
Petitioner-lawyer Farooq H. Naek, a PPP senator, and his counsel, Adnan Karim, submitted that there was no response from the ministry so far. The application was made in April and the provincial home department was informed simultaneously. The matter brooked no delay as the PPP chief was due back home on Oct 18. The import arrangement and formalities would take time even after the ministry’s permission. He opposed adjournment of hearing for a week and the bench fixed Sept 28 for comments by the respondent ministry.
The petitioner says that being head of the largest party, Ms Bhutto would have to conduct a hectic mass contact campaign during the forthcoming general election. The law and order situation being what it is, she would require a bullet-proof car for her safety during electioneering.
