LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought a report from Punjab government regarding steps taken to check spread of dengue virus in the province.

Justice Muhammad Waheed Khan also sought a reply from the government on an FIR lodged against a doctor for not controlling dengue virus, when the sole jurisdiction to take action against him was vested with the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC).

Earlier, a provincial law officer submitted that dengue fever was a contagious disease and police could take action under the Punjab Prevention and Control of Dengue Regulations 2019 with the approval of the chief minister and the cabinet.

Advocate Sheraz Zaka, on behalf of Dr Tauseef Razzaq, the petitioner, argued the case should have been first investigated by the PHC and if the doctor was found guilty, then police could proceed against him.

He submitted that without the recommendation of the commission, the police could not proceed, nor cause undue harassment to the doctors.

He said mere inadvertent or careless act did not constitute a criminal offence.

The counsel asked the court to restrain Shalimar Town police from conducting raids and causing harassment to the petitioner.

The judge directed the law officer to submit a report on behalf of the respondents on the matter of FIR against the doctor and also the steps taken to contain deleterious effects of dengue virus under the Punjab Epidemic Act 1958.

The judge observed that dengue virus patients were increasing day by day and the government should take drastic steps in collaboration with the PHC to control it. The hearing was adjourned till Oct 22.

tlp’s plea: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought replies from the provincial and city governments on a petition by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) against denial of permission to hold its “Kashmir Conference” at Minar-i-Pakistan.

A counsel appeared on behalf of the party and argued that holding a peaceful gathering was a fundamental right of every citizen or any political party.

He claimed that the TLP was the fourth biggest party in the country and third in Punjab province.

He pointed out that the TLP had filed an application with the deputy commissioner seeking permission to hold a conference at Minar-i-Pakistan ground to express solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris.

However, he said the DC rejected the application denying the fundamental rights of the petitioner-organisation.

He said ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf had held a public gathering at the same place on April 29, 2018, Jamaat-i-Islami on April 8, 2018 and Tehreek-i-Minhajul Quran on Oct 11, 2018.

He asked the court to order the government to allow the petitioner to hold Kashmir Conference on the desired venue.

The court issued notices to the respondents and sought their replies by next hearing.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2019