LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday undertook before the Lahore High Court that private schools would not increase fees following the security measures being taken in the wake of Peshawar school massacre.

A division bench comprising Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha A. Malik was hearing a petition filed by Advocate Zain Sikandar agitating security concern in schools after the Army Public School attack in Peshawar and an interim report was submitted before the court.

Also read: Schools’ security

Special Secretary (Home) Dr Shoaib Akbar, schools secretary Abdul Jabbar Shaheen, Lahore District Coordination Officer Usman Younis, DIG (Legal) Muhammad Azeem Laghari and other officials appeared before the bench.

The bench was informed that private schools would not increase fees after enhanced security arrangements and they would manage the security gear from their own kitty.

The bench was further told that in case of any grievance parents as well as school managements could approach the DCO for redress. The authorities stated that vigilance committees had been formed at the district level for strict monitoring of the schools.

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The police authorities told the bench that satisfactory security arrangements had been made in the educational institutions. The bench adjourned hearing for a fortnight and sought further report in the matter.

SUMMONED: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday summoned an official of Punjab archeology department on a petition challenging construction of a marriage hall adjacent to tomb of Dai Anga, who was a nurse of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Rights activist Faryal Gohar filed the petition saying the Dai Anga tomb was constructed in year 1671 and later declared a monument, which should have been preserved and protected.

She said the construction of a marriage hall adjacent to the tomb was illegal.

The petitioner pointed out that law restricted new construction within the radius of 200 feet of a historical monument. She asked the court to order the archeology department to stop the illegal construction beside the tomb.

The court heard the contention and sought appearance of an officer of the respondent department on Jan 23.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2015

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