Latest news with #ShahidKarim
Express Tribune
30-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
LHC directs humane euthanasia of stray dogs
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed authorities across Punjab to euthanise only incurably ill or mortally wounded stray dogsand to do so strictly in accordance with medically approved and humane protocols. Justice Shahid Karim issued the order while hearing petitions filed by Eiraj Hassan and others, seeking proper enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 and protection of stray dogs against inhumane culling practices. The court emphasised that the policy must be implemented "in letter and spirit" by all concerned departments, including the Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Department and its affiliated officers throughout Punjab. The 2021 policy explicitly outlines that only dogs diagnosed as incurably ill or mortally wounded by a qualified veterinarian appointed by a Tehsil Implementation Committee (TIC) can be euthanised. It further mandates that euthanasia must be carried out humanely - by administering sodium pentothal for adult dogs or Thiopental Intraperitoneal for puppies. Crucially, the policy prohibits euthanising a dog in the presence of another dog. The policy also prescribes guidelines for the care and management of healthy stray dogs. Sterilised dogs must be vaccinated before being released, and marked for identification through ear clipping, tattoos, nylon collars, or tokens. The branding of dogs is expressly forbidden. Detailed records of all sterilised and vaccinated dogs must be maintained. Petitioners' counsel, Altamush Saeed, urged the court to recognise that dogs are sentient beings capable of emotions and therefore must not be subjected to cruelty or brutal killings. He argued that the most effective approach to controlling the stray dog population and eradicating rabies lies in mass vaccination and sterilization through established TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) protocols, supervised by qualified veterinarians. Saeed further highlighted that even rabid dogs should not be indiscriminately culled and stressed the need for sterilizing and relocating healthy dogs rather than killing them. He also called for public awareness campaigns, staff training in animal welfare, and the introduction of animal welfare education in schools in line with Articles 9, 9A, and 25A of the Constitution, which relate to the right to life, security, and education. The court was informed that various government departments had already issued directives to implement the policy and compliance had begun across multiple local government offices. Justice Karim acknowledged the progress made, noting that the LG&CD appeared fully aware of its legal obligations and was taking steps accordingly. "Since the respondents are complying with the policy, as is also evident from the replies filed in this case, the petition is disposed of with the direction that the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Policy 2021 shall continue to be implemented and followed by all concerned departments," Justice Karim stated in his concluding remarks. The court's order marks a significant shift in the state's approach to stray dog managementfocusing on humane treatment, scientific methods, and legal responsibility rather than reactive culling, often carried out under public pressure or panic. Animal rights advocates have welcomed the judgment, calling it a progressive step toward ethical and effective animal population control and public health safety.
Express Tribune
06-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Petition filed against amendments to debt laws
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought arguments on a petition requesting full disclosure of Pakistan's total external debt, including hidden liabilities, markup, and insurance costs. The plea also challenges the Fiscal Responsibility & Debt Limitation (FRDL) Act 2005, claiming it is unconstitutional. Justice Shahid Karim directed the concerned parties to present their arguments on the matter, which questions alleged irregularities in the government's debt calculations and amendments to financial laws. Petitioner Munir Ahmed contended that the federal government had altered the definition of "public debt" in violation of a Supreme Court ruling. The top court had previously ruled that such changes required approval from the federal cabinet and both houses of Parliament. However, the government reportedly bypassed this process and made significant modifications to the FRDL Act 2005 through the Finance Act 2017. According to the petition, the amended debt calculation formula now excludes deposits held by provincial and federal governments within the banking system. As a result, the reported national debt was understated by approximately Rs2 trillion, showing public debt at Rs18.9 trillion as of March 2017. The petitioner further argued that these changes were not included in the original Finance Bill 2017, which was approved by the federal cabinet on May 26, 2017.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
CTO calls for public transport over luxury vehicles
Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore has emphasised the need to discourage the use of luxury vehicles and promote public transport to ease traffic congestion in the city. He proposed increasing taxes on vehicle fitness certificates as part of efforts to regulate traffic flow and reduce environmental pollution. The CTO made these remarks while updating Lahore High Court's (LHC) Justice Shahid Karim during a hearing on multiple petitions related to smog control, environmental pollution, and groundwater conservation. During the proceedings, the CTO revealed that nearly 50% of motorists in Lahore do not possess valid driving licenses. To address this, a specific day has been designated for license issuance. He also highlighted the impact of helmet enforcement for motorcyclists, stating that mandatory helmet use had reduced the motorcycle-related death toll by 26%. Discussing the overuse of private vehicles, he pointed out that many households own multiple cars, contributing to road congestion. "If a household has five members, there are often five vehicles, as people prefer not to use public transport," he noted. He urged authorities to implement policies discouraging luxury vehicle use and encouraging public transportation. The CTO further proposed increasing fines for traffic violations, particularly for luxury vehicle owners who often consider themselves above the law. Additionally, he outlined measures to curb traffic violations by loader rickshaws, including making helmet use mandatory for their drivers. He assured the court that traffic issues in Lahore's twelve major markets would be addressed within a month. Justice Karim acknowledged the recommendations and stated that the court would issue orders based on the proposals presented. The CTO also recommended granting a Rs10,000 risk allowance to traffic wardens, citing the dangers they face on duty.
