LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab chief secretary, city government and police to ensure implementation of a 2011 decision of the court regarding rallies/processions on The Mall.

Justice Aminuddin Khan passed this order on a petition moved by the Mall Road Traders Association through its vice president, Nasir Ansari, challenging the July 25 protest at Charing Cross by the opposition parties.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that there was a ban on holding rallies or protests on The Mall in the light of an LHC judgment issued in 2011.

He pointed out that the then provincial government had told the court that a complete ban had been imposed on taking out rallies or processions on The Mall and a notification would also be issued to this effect.

He said the government had allocated Nasser Bagh and Attique Stadium for the protest activities, however, the required notification had not been issued so far despite the lapse of eight years.

He asked the court to order the government to implement the 2011 decision and also issue a notification of the ban on holding rallies on The Mall.

Justice Khan ordered the government and the police to implement the judgment and also ensure smooth traffic flow on The Mall.

The judge sought government’s reply about delay in issuing the required notification on the next hearing.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2019