LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday extended ban on the sale of Tyno cough syrup and adjourned the hearing till February 4 after federal and provincial law officers sought time to file reply.

Justice Sh Najamul Hasan passed the orders on petitions filed by Judicial Activism Panel, a public interest litigation firm, and others seeking directions for judicial inquiry into deaths allegedly caused by Tyno cough syrup.

The petitioner, in his petition, submitted that the facts regarding the deaths in November could not be brought forth and government also failed to take appropriate measures.

He mentioned that recently more than 30 persons expired in Gujranawala due to use of toxic cough syrups and there was every possibility of more deaths.

The petitioner submitted that if sale of medicine was not stopped, it would lead to deaths on a massive scale. He requested to impose a complete ban on the sale of this syrup.

The petitioner also prayed that a judicial inquiry might be held into casualties to unearth the facts and registration of cases against all responsible persons and authorities.