LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday directed the federal government to take measures to provide electricity to a village in district Layyah and sought an implementation report within 15 days.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the residents of Lalazar village in the Layyah district who had been living without electricity since the creation of the country in 1947.

The petitioners’ lawyer Azhar Siddique appeared before the court and submitted that it was a violation of the basic rights of the residents of the village.

The court directed the Layyah deputy commissioner to implement the order and also praised his efforts.

The court directed Additional Attorney General Nasar Ahmed who appeared in the court on behalf of the federal government to monitor the implementation of the court order.

Justice Shan Gull remarked that there was a need for officers who would promptly act on the complaints of the citizens and address them on an immediate basis. He directed the chief secretary also to support the officials timely in addressing public complaints.

The DC Layyah said there was a shortage of funds and he was bringing the matter to the court notice.

The court directed the additional attorney general to ensure availability of funds and adjourned the hearing till Sept 15.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2022