LHC returns petition challenging ban on images, songs during Basant

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – The Lahore High Court (LHC) has returned a petition challenging the ban on printing images on kites and playing certain songs during Basant, after upholding office objections. Justice Awais Khalid remarked that he did not want to hear a lecture and directed the petitioner to first remove the office objections before the case could be heard.

Justice Awais Khalid heard the petition filed by PTI’s Sheikh Imtiaz. Advocate Azhar Siddique appeared on behalf of the petitioner and argued that a ban had been imposed on printing the image of any leader on kites, as well as on certain songs, including “Naik Da Koka.” He contended that the song is neither obscene nor political, and that the ban was imposed merely because one line of the song mentions the PTI founder.

The petitioner claimed that the restrictions reflected political malice even in a cultural festival like Basant. It was further argued that the notification issued by the Deputy Commissioner was illegal, and the court was requested to declare the ban on images and songs null and void.

During the hearing, the court remarked, “I do not want to hear a lecture. Attach the ban notification and relevant documents. First, remove the office objections, then the hearing will take place.” The registrar’s office had raised objections, stating that the ban notification and some annexed documents were either missing or unclear. The court directed the petitioner to address the office objections accordingly.