ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday dismissed the petition seeking separation of Rawalpindi/Islamabad Press Club (RIPC) from the National Press Club (NPC).

IHC Justice Noorul Haq N. Qureshi dismissed the petition filed by a journalist Abdul Waheed Anjum.

Before the construction of the National Press Club in F-6, the RIPC used to cater to journalists from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Now it serves as camp office of the NPC.

The petitioner argued that the legal status of the NPC had been decided by a Rawalpindi court, which had restored the RIPC as an independent body in 2012. However, he said, despite the ruling, the NPC administration continued to exercise control over the RIPC and in its annual body elections, included members of the RIPC as its voters.

During the course of hearing, the court observed that the petitioner had concealed certain facts from the court. At this, the petitioner’s counsel requested the court to allow withdrawal of the petition.

Subsequently, the court dismissed the petition as withdrawn.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2015

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