LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday dismissed petitions seeking proceedings of treason against Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
LHC bench headed by Justice Atir Mehmood heard the petition and apprised the petitioner that the government initiated a crackdown against those involved in vandalism.
The petitioner had sought proceedings of treason against the two leaders for ‘issuing anti-state remarks’.
The crackdown came as the government released footage of the rioters torching vehicles, blocking roads and vandalising public and private property following apex court verdict on Aasia Bibi’s acquittal.
On November 10, Shabbirullah, the petitioner, argued that the two political leaders had issued anti-state statements against the judiciary and the armed forces.
The petitioner had prayed the court to direct the federal government to initiate proceedings against the TLP and JUI-F leaders under the charges of high treason. He pleaded that the country was held hostage for three days following their statements.
The petitioner implored that the TLP and JUI-F chiefs had clearly violated Article 6 of the Constitution in the name of protest. He contended that under The High Treason Act, 1973, only the federal government is empowered to initiate treason proceedings.