Latest news with #AaliaNeelum
Business Recorder
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Same relief cannot be sought on two different forums: LHC
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) held that proceedings for the same relief cannot be conducted on two different forums. The court passed this order in a petition filed by a citizen, Munir Ahmed, who prayed to nullify the SOPs of Pakistan National Identity List (PNIL). Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressing strong displeasure over the filing of a frivolous petition stated that this petition had already been filed and dismissed by the Islamabad High Court (IHC). A law officer stated that petitioner had already filed a similar petition in the IHC, which had dismissed it. The petitioner allegedly concealed this fact from the court. The petitioner's counsel, Azhar Siddique, argued that the petition in the IHC was not filed by the same petitioner. He claimed to be unaware of any judicial order in the Islamabad case. But he was shown the court order from the IHC where his appearance was officially recorded. The court after reviewing the entire record found the petition non-maintainable due to the same matter having been previously filed in the IHC. Chief Justice observed that court time was extremely valuable and should be reserved for serious matters. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Ban on ‘X': LHC adjourns proceedings
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday adjourned the proceedings in the petitions challenging the ban on social media platform 'X' (formerly Twitter) as Attorney General Pakistan (AGP) did not appear before the court. Earlier, a law officer informed the court that AGP had to attend meeting of Security Council Pakistan at Islamabad. A full bench headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum adjourned the petitions to be fixed after May 10. The petitioners contended in their petitions that the government imposed restrictions on social media and blocked access to platform X. They argued that the access to information was a fundamental right of every citizen. The petitioners asked the court to lift all restrictions on social media. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Express Tribune
SOPs issued to curb fraudulent case filing
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Aalia Neelum has issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all district courts in Punjab to tackle the growing issue of fraudulent case filings and financial irregularities.' According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the new SOPs approved by the Administrative Committee of the LHC make it mandatory for litigants to complete an 'information sheet' at the time of case filing. The form must include the signature or thumb impression of the petitioner, plaintiff, or litigant, along with a photograph. However, physical appearance in court for the photograph is not required; it can be submitted remotely via webcam. Moreover, the information sheet must contain the litigant's Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) and mobile phone numbers on the first page. The step comes in response to a surge in fake and fictitious cases being filed in district courts across the province using forged documents and false identities. These scams enabled fraudulent withdrawals of public funds from the government treasury, using the names of genuine litigants. Action has already been initiated against individuals involved in such scams.
Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Providing X users' list not possible, LHC told
The government has informed the Lahore High Court (LHC) that it is not possible for it to provide a list containing names of the government officials who use Xformerly Twittereven after imposing a temporary ban on the platform. A three-member bench led by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Tuesday resumed hearing a plea seeking directions for the government to enhance the internet speed, restore X and lift a ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and some other social media platforms. As proceedings commenced, the additional attorney general told the court that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had submitted a report in this case. He said the LHC had sought a list of the government officials who use X "but it is not possible to provide such list". Speaking on the occasion, the petitioner's counsel, Azhar Siddique, said the federal government and the PTA are not on the same page on X's ban. Justice Neelum remarked that there is no concept of "same page" in courts. "You and the court are also not on the same page," she added. Siddique reiterated that no response was submitted by the federal government in writing, underlining the reason why X had been made dysfunctional. "The court sought a list of those in government who use X but the list is not presented," he added. CJ Aalia Neelum remarked that Attorney-General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan should come prepared to the court on April 17 and shed light on all the legal aspects of X ban. In his plea filed through Siddique, the petitionerjournalist Hafiz Shakir Mahmoodcontended that according to the World Population Review (WPR), Pakistan was ranked 198th globally in internet speed. This placed Pakistan below countries such as Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya. The petitioner stated that this ranking is a significant indicator of the country's digital infrastructure and its ability to support modern communication needs. The low ranking reflects the challenges faced by Pakistani citizens in accessing reliable and fast internet services, which are essential for various aspects of daily life, including education, business, and social interactions. He argued that the executive failed to perform its duty under Article(s) 9, 29 and 38 of the Constitution. "In such an event, courts would have rightly referred to the well-informed opinion of the government, keeping in view the constitutionally defined separation of powers between organs of the state." He said fundamental rights of the people and also the duties of the executive organ of the state under Article(s) 29 and 38 (a) of the Constitution have been breached and requested the court to direct the relevant authorities to take immediate and effective measures to enhance the internet speed. This, he said, includes upgrading the existing digital infrastructure, investing in new technologies such as 5G and fiber-optic networks, and ensuring that internet service providers deliver speeds that meet global standards. "The improvement of internet speed is essential to support the fundamental rights of the citizens, including access to information, education, and economic opportunities." He also requested the court to pass an order for lifting a ban on VPNs in Pakistan. VPNs are crucial for ensuring online privacy and security, especially in a digital age where data breaches and cyber threats are prevalent. The unrestricted use of VPNs will enable citizens to protect their personal information and maintain their digital privacy. He further requested the court to pass direction for the restoration of access to X and other social media platforms that have been banned. "Social media platforms are vital for free expression, communication, and the dissemination of information. The ban on these platforms infringes upon the citizens' right to freedom of speech and hampers their ability to engage in public discourse," he added.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
LHC deplores non-implementation of Anti-Rape Act
The Lahore High Court on Monday expressed its displeasure over the non-appearance of Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and the non-serious attitude of the bureaucracy in a case related to the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021. A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, termed anti-rape legislation a "most serious issue", adding that the nation was "being destroyed" due to non-implementation of its laws. In earlier proceedings, the bench had summoned the attorney general in person. However, he failed to ensure his appearance before the court on Monday. As the proceedings commenced, CJ Neelum inquired whether the AGP had appeared before the court. The additional attorney general informed the bench that he was currently busy in the Supreme Court. At this, Justice Farooq Haider remarked, "Do we not have anything else to do?" He added that if the AGP was occupied, the court should have been informed in time. At one point, CJ Neelum asked why the report on anti-rape implementation was being submitted by the law ministry, noting that the report should instead be submitted through the additional attorney general.
