LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday unsealed ten theatres and directed the commissioner to decide applications of the theatres’ managements after hearing their point of view.

Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh further ordered that the theatres would remain unsealed till a final decision on the applications by the commissioner.

The lawyers for the theatre managements argued that the theatres were closed without hearing the position of the stakeholders and contrary to the law.

The judge remarked if there were any complaints against the petitioners, they should be addressed in accordance with the law, and no illegal actions should be taken.

The judge issued orders to unseal theatres in Lahore division namely Naaz, Mehfil, Sitara, Waseem, Sangam, Gulistan, Ravi and Nageena.

The caretaker Punjab government had sealed more than 10 mega commercial theatres of Lahore division for violating the Drama Act (Dramatic Performances Act 1876).

jaranwala case: The Lahore High Court on Friday ordered the Punjab chief secretary to decide an application seeking a judicial inquiry into the burning of churches and houses of the Christian community in Jaranwala.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi passed the order disposing of a petition filed by a Christian organisation – Masih True Spirit through its chairman, Ashir Sarfraz.

Assistant Advocate General Sattar Sahil appeared on behalf of the provincial government.

To a court’s query, the law officer said the government had not constituted any judicial commission on the Jaranwala incident.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the matter involved violation of the fundamental rights of the Christian community. He said the police investigation was not satisfactory, rather illegal and defective.

He asked the court to constitute a judicial commission to hold a fair and free inquiry into the incident so that justice can be served to the victims.

Justice Sethi disposed of the petition and directed the chief secretary to convert the petition into a representation and decide the same within 15 days strictly in accordance with law after hearing the point of view of the petitioner.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2023