LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from the Punjab chief secretary on a petition challenging raids conducted by the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) and police on theatres and drama halls under an austerity campaign.

Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad heard the petition filed by Sabir Ali and other theatre contractors.

During the hearing, Advocate Mian Dawood argued on behalf of the petitioners that the government itself had fixed the operating hours of theatres and drama halls from 11pm to 1am.

He said the theatres and drama halls consumed electricity and other resources only during these two hours.

The counsel pointed out that even under the ongoing austerity measures, the government had not imposed any restriction on theatres.

However, he alleged, despite no formal restriction, the Pera and police were conducting raids at the theatres. He further alleged that theatres and drama halls were being sealed causing financial losses to business owners.

He asked the court to restrain the respondents from conducting unlawful raids and sealing theatres and drama halls.

After hearing the arguments, the judge issued a notice to the chief secretary for submission of a reply by May 13.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026