LAHORE: A Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader and another person have filed separate petitions in the Lahore High Court challenging a ban on the film Maalik.

Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed of the PTI, also opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, and Munir Ahmad stated in their petitions that the federal government unlawfully imposed the ban, as after the 18th Amendment this power had been devolved to provinces.

They said the film was banned after two weeks of its screening that showed sheer mala fide on the part of the government.

The petitioners contended that Maalik highlighted corruption and it was neither against the sovereignty of state nor social values.

They say the impugned notification proves that the ministry concerned not only exceeded its powers while imposing the ban, but also tried to assault the real essence of 18th Amendment only to save corrupt political elite of government.

The petitioners stated that the people of Pakistan had fundamental right to watch a film in view of Article 19 of the Constitution and the impugned ban was not in accordance with law.

Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza would take up these petitions on Monday. The judge has already sought reply from the government on a similar petition.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2016