Hearing petitions against Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri, a full bench of the Lahore High Court here on Tuesday expressed its serious concern over deteriorating law and order situation following an aggravating political crisis in the country. It asked the federal government to "sit at home if it cannot deliver."

The bench observed that it was a high time to wake up as there was no public peace for the last four months. The bench directed the federal and Punjab governments to submit on Wednesday (today) a plan for the protection of Lahorites during the shutter-down call of PTI.

The bench gave the government last chance to submit its reply next week about petitions seeking treason proceedings against the respondents and arrest of Dr Qadri. The bench also decided to proceed ex-parte in a treason petition to the extent of Dr Qadri as no one appeared to represent him. The bench observed that despite the service of a notice, the respondent, Qadri, was not showing interest in the court's proceedings.

The petitioners have demanded arrest of Dr Tahirul Qadri as he has not obtained bail in at least 40 cases registered against him. Another petition also sought proceedings under Article 6 of the Constitution against Imran Khan and Dr Qadri. A petitioner also urged the court to order the government to ensure protection of citizens and traders of Lahore as well during the shutter-down call of PTI on December 15.

A law officer, in response to a court's query about failure of the government in maintaining law and order, said the government did not want to flex its muscles. The bench remarked that life in cities would be paralysed if the government did not show seriousness towards protests. Recalling the fall of Dhaka, the bench held that the government should not keep the nation in dark. The bench conceded to the arguments of A.K Dogar that the country was passing through very bad state of affairs and the situation could lead to anarchy.

SOURCE: RECORDER REPORT