1 week Ago By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE - The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday once again summoned Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to appear before the court on April 14 in connection with a case concerning the implementation of the Anti-Rape Act, 2021. A three-member bench headed by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and comprising Justice Farooq Haider and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the case. During the proceedings, in response to a query, Additional Attorney General Mirza Nasar Ahmad informed the bench that the AGP was busy with commitments in the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum expressed dissatisfaction over the AGP’s absence, stating that the previous hearing had also been postponed for the same reason. Justice Haider remarked that the matter was of serious nature and that the AGP should have notified the court in advance about his unavailability. Justice Bajwa added that a formal written request should have been submitted if the AGP had prior commitments in the Supreme Court.
The bench reminded the additional attorney general that it had explicitly ordered the AGP to appear and assist in the case. Concluding the hearing, the bench directed the AGP to appear before the court on April 14 to provide assistance in the matter. Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday dismissed the bail petition of Rai Mumtaz, former secretary of the Punjab Assembly, in a case pertaining to illegal appointments within the assembly.
Justice Sultan Tanvir Ahmed announced the reserved verdict, which had been withheld following arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defence during the previous hearing. During the proceedings, the prosecution strongly opposed the bail request, contending that serious irregularities were committed in the recruitment process and urging the court to deny relief to the accused. Conversely, the defence counsel maintained that the appointments were made in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, denying any wrongdoing on part of his client.
Rai Mumtaz had sought bail in a case registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab. He, along with others, is accused of making unlawful appointments in the Punjab Assembly during his tenure. CM takes notice of injury by kite string in Sargodha Tags: lhc summons agp.
