Latest news with #KhalidIshaq
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bonus for finance officials challenged
Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Khalid Ishaq has sought arguments on the maintainability of a plea challenging the legality and discriminatory nature of awarding a special honorarium to finance ministry employees for performing their duties during parliamentary budget session. As the proceedings commenced, Justice Ishaq asked what grievance the petitioner had if the government had announced the incentive. The petitioner's counsel responded that the state, under the Constitution, could not play a discriminatory role, adding that preparation of the budget is the prime responsibility of the employees of the finance ministry, which they render once in a year. On the other hand, employees of other institutions work throughout the year but no such honorarium is announced for them, which is a discriminatory act, the counsel contended. The counsel requested the court to set aside the notification issued in this regard by declaring the decision as discriminatory and unlawful.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
LHC sets April 18 for hearing on reserved seats
Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Khalid Ishaq has fixed April 18 for further proceedings on a plea seeking implementation of the Supreme Court's judgment regarding PTI's reserved seats. Petitioner Munir Ahmed had filed the petition through advocate Azhar Siddique, requesting the court to direct the concerned quarters to implement the judgment of the superior court. The counsel argued that despite the clear judgment of the apex court, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not yet issued any notification regarding reserved seats, which was tantamount to committing contempt of court. He argued that the electoral watchdog was not implementing the decision as directed under Article 189 of the Constitution, for which Article 204 was already in place and at the same time, the LHC has the jurisdiction in view of Article 187(2) to implement the decision or to enforce it.
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Report sought on inactive customs courts in southern Punjab
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought a comprehensive report on the status of judge appointments in customs courts, following a petition demanding the establishment of tribunals in Southern Punjab to expedite smuggling and tax evasion cases. During the proceedings, the assistant attorney general informed the court that a letter had been sent to the relevant authorities regarding judicial appointments. However, Justice Khalid Ishaq remarked that the issue could not be resolved merely through official correspondence and demanded a detailed report on whether judges had been appointed. The petition was filed by the Judicial Activism Panel, an NGO, through Advocate Azhar Siddique, urging the court to direct the authorities to implement the Federal Government's notification regarding the establishment of the Special Court (Customs, Taxation & Anti-Smuggling) in Multan. The petitioner also called for the swift approval of proposals to set up additional tribunals in Southern Punjab, citing their importance in ensuring accountability for smuggling and tax-related offenses. The plea highlighted the Federal government's decision in May 2023 to establish five additional anti-smuggling courts to fast-track cases amid a nationwide crackdown on smuggling. The Federal Cabinet had approved these courts through a summary presented by the Ministry of Law and Justice, designating locations in Karachi, Quetta, Chaman, Noshki, and Multan. The petitioner argued that Punjab lacks sufficient customs courts, making it difficult to prosecute smugglers under the Customs Act, 1969. Currently, accused individuals from various Punjab cities must travel to Lahore for hearings, leading to significant delays. The establishment of dedicated courts in Southern Punjab would enable early hearings and expedite legal proceedings. Similar challenges have been reported in Sindh and Balochistan, where delays in anti-smuggling cases have hindered legal actions. Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instructed authorities to draft legislation to curb smuggling. During a high-level meeting in Islamabad, he emphasised the need for the immediate activation of anti-smuggling courts to strengthen enforcement against the illegal trade of sugar, wheat, flour, and urea.
