LAHORE, Oct 15: The Lahore High Court on Monday issued a notice to PPP Senator Dr Asim Husain on a petition challenging his membership of PMDC and holding office of vice president of the council.

Advocate Noshab A Khan, the petitioner, argued before the court that the respondent was a Senator and holding full-time paid portfolio of the federal minister/adviser in the Ministry of Petroleum and National Resources. He said the respondent was also chancellor of Ziauddin Medical University although he did not qualify to hold even the junior-most post on the faculty of a medical college.

He pleaded the respondent being co-owner and chancellor of Ziauddin Medical University managed to get himself notified as the member of PMDC in violation of rules and subsequently became vice president of the council.

The lawyer prayed that an explanation should be sought from the respondent that under what authority of law he was holding the membership of the PMDC and office of the vice president. He prayed the appointment of the respondent as member and vice president of PMDC be declared null and void.

After hearing the initial arguments, Justice Ijazul Ahsan issued notices to respondents for Nov 7.

Directive: The LHC directed the finance secretary to resolve a dispute about withdrawal of an additional benefit given in the salary to traffic wardens.

Justice Khalid Mahmood issued this direction while disposing of a petition filed by Basharat Ali and 36 other wardens.

The petitioners had submitted the government included an additional allowance equal to their basic salary, however, withdrew the same after a few months. They said the government could not withdraw a benefit once granted to employees.

Justice Khalid Mahmood admitted the arguments and directed the secretary to settle the issue within fortnight. — Staff Reporter