LAHORE, Sept 10: The Lahore High Court on Monday sought a reply from the federal government on a petition seeking five-year age relaxation for the candidates appearing in civil services examinations.

Advocate AK Dogar filed the petition and stated that federal and provincial governments were giving a five-year concession in age limit for its services, but the candidates appearing in CSS exams had been denied the same relaxation.

He said the impugned act of the government was discriminatory and as such violation of Article 25 of the Constitution.

The petitioner sought court’s directions for the government to give age relaxation to the candidates appearing in the CSS exams held by public service commissions.

After hearing the initial arguments, the court sought replies from the respondents within three weeks.

Haj quota: The LHC chief justice summoned the Ministry of Religious Affairs secretary on Tuesday (today) to explain his position in cases against the ministry for violating court orders with regard to allocation of Haj quota among tour operators.

Some newly-registered tour operators filed contempt of court petitions against the ministry and requested the court to take action against the authorities concerned for not allocating Haj quota to them despite an order issued by the court.

The CJ directed the secretary to appear in person. It also directed the LHC registrar office to consolidate all contempt of court petitions filed against the ministry. — Staff Reporter