SHC orders opening of Governor House for acting governor
The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), comprising Justice K.K. Agha and Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, heard Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah's petition challenging the locking of Governor House offices.
The court ordered the immediate reopening of these offices and directed the principal secretary to submit a compliance report by June 23.
During the urgent hearing, the bench granted acting governor immediate access to the Sindh Governor's official residence. The court specifically ordered the unlocking of all offices (excluding private residential quarters) and restrained the principal secretary from obstructing the acting governor's access.
The court also directed that a copy of the judicial order be transmitted to the President of Pakistan and the Principal Secretary of the Governor's House, Sindh.
In the petition, it was averred that since assuming charge, the Acting Governor, Owais Qadir Shah, has been denied entry to the Governor's House for official duties which is a violation of Article 104 of the Constitution. Governor Kamran Tessori has been abroad since June 2.
Acting Governor of Sindh, Owais Qadir Shah, informed the court that a meeting on law and order in the was scheduled for today, specifically to discuss matters related to Muharram. The home minister, secretary, IG Sindh, and other officials reached for the meeting.
However, the principal secretary stated that the governor had taken the office keys with him. Owais Qadir Shah stated that this was an act of considering the Governor's House as their personal lounge.
He cited the Constitution, which clearly states that in the absence of the governor, the acting governor can perform duties.
Owais Qadir Shah said, he would write to the chief minister, highlighting that this was a mockery of the Constitution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Opposition walkouts amid passage of resolution commemorating BB's birthday
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Saturday witnessed a dramatic turn during its budget session as the House passed a resolution commemorating the 72nd birth anniversary of late Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto — the first woman Prime Minister of the Islamic world — amid loud opposition protests and a walkout. The resolution, presented by veteran parliamentarian and PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, was moved out of turn with special permission from the Deputy Speaker, Anthony Naveed. This procedural bypass infuriated opposition lawmakers, who erupted in protest, raised slogans, and eventually staged a walkout from the Assembly floor. In response to the uproar, Nisar Khuhro addressed the opposition members directly, saying, 'Even you should feel proud of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. By protesting during this resolution, you are only tarnishing your image in the eyes of the people of Sindh. This resolution has been prepared in consultation with Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.' Despite the opposition's absence, the resolution paying tribute to Benazir Bhutto on her birthday was adopted by the House. Later, speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Ali Khursheedi condemned the government's move, calling it a violation of Assembly norms and the Constitution. 'We were told on budget day that no resolutions could be tabled during the budget session. When we tried to bring a resolution in support of Iran, we were denied. But today, the same rules were bent for a political tribute. This selective application of the Constitution is unacceptable,' he said. Khursheedi further remarked, 'Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is indeed a respected figure for all, but no one — regardless of stature — should be paid homage at the cost of violating the House's procedures during a budget session.' Taking a pointed jab, he added, 'I'm merely reminding history — Nisar Khuhro once distributed sweets upon the martyrdom of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.' In a symbolic show of reverence, the Assembly later hosted a ceremonial celebration for the slain PPP leader's birthday. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Section 144 to remain in place across Punjab during Muharram
Listen to article The Punjab government has decided to enforce Section 144 across the province in view of Muharram-ul-Haram, as part of efforts to maintain law and order and prevent sectarian unrest. The ban will be in effect from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram and will prohibit the display of weapons, fireworks, and any material likely to incite sectarian or religious tensions in public spaces without prior permission from authorities, Express News reported. Double riding will be banned on Muharram 9 and 10, though senior citizens, women, and law enforcement personnel will be exempt from this restriction. Authorities have clarified that no new processions or changes in traditional Majalis routes will be permitted. Public statements or content that promote sectarian or ethnic hatred, whether through devices or social media platforms, are also banned under the order. Read: Strict Muharram security promised Additionally, residents are prohibited from building structures such as posts or collecting stones, bottles, or debris on rooftops along procession routes. Spectators will not be allowed to gather on rooftops or shop ledges during the processions. Apart from the double riding ban, all other restrictions will remain effective throughout the first ten days of Muharram. Meanwhile, security has been ramped up in the provincial capital. The Dolphin Squad and Police Response Unit have been placed on high alert to ensure safety during Muharram activities. In a recent operation, Dolphin Force recovered firearms from a suspicious black-tinted vehicle on Multan Road, arresting five suspects. Recovered items included two rifles, three pistols, dozens of bullets, and magazines. According to SP Dolphin Arslan Zahid, the suspects—Kashif Ali, Muhammad Rahat, Azeem Anwar, Muhammad Mansab, and Basharat Ali—have been handed over to the Chuhang police station for further legal proceedings. Previously, the Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive security plan for Muharram, incorporating digital surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and infrastructure safety measures to ensure peaceful religious observances across the province. According to the Home Department, Muharram is likely to begin on June 26 or 27, subject to moon sighting. A digital portal has been activated to monitor majalis, procession routes, and sensitive sites, with deputy commissioners instructed to upload relevant data within five days. The system will be managed by Kamran Taj from the Home Department's MIS section. To bolster security, the department has formally requested the deployment of Pakistan Army and Punjab Rangers, asking for location and duration details within a week. The request also includes mobile signal jamming in specific high-risk zones. To prevent sectarian unrest, the government has directed that non-Shia religious gatherings remain physically separate from Shia events.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
SHC orders opening of Governor House for acting governor
The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), comprising Justice K.K. Agha and Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon, heard Acting Governor Owais Qadir Shah's petition challenging the locking of Governor House offices. The court ordered the immediate reopening of these offices and directed the principal secretary to submit a compliance report by June 23. During the urgent hearing, the bench granted acting governor immediate access to the Sindh Governor's official residence. The court specifically ordered the unlocking of all offices (excluding private residential quarters) and restrained the principal secretary from obstructing the acting governor's access. The court also directed that a copy of the judicial order be transmitted to the President of Pakistan and the Principal Secretary of the Governor's House, Sindh. In the petition, it was averred that since assuming charge, the Acting Governor, Owais Qadir Shah, has been denied entry to the Governor's House for official duties which is a violation of Article 104 of the Constitution. Governor Kamran Tessori has been abroad since June 2. Acting Governor of Sindh, Owais Qadir Shah, informed the court that a meeting on law and order in the was scheduled for today, specifically to discuss matters related to Muharram. The home minister, secretary, IG Sindh, and other officials reached for the meeting. However, the principal secretary stated that the governor had taken the office keys with him. Owais Qadir Shah stated that this was an act of considering the Governor's House as their personal lounge. He cited the Constitution, which clearly states that in the absence of the governor, the acting governor can perform duties. Owais Qadir Shah said, he would write to the chief minister, highlighting that this was a mockery of the Constitution.
