LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has rejected a petition demanding the immediate removal of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s images from Ramazan ration bags distributed in Punjab.
The court declined to issue a stay order for removal, citing procedural and legal constraints.
The petition, filed by citizen Munir Ahmed, expressed concerns over Nawaz Sharif’s photo appearing on ration bags distributed during Ramazan, arguing that utilizing public funds for personal publicity was inappropriate. Ahmed urged for the removal of the picture.
Presided over by Justice Shahid Karim, the court deliberated on arguments from both sides. While acknowledging the petitioner’s concerns, the court stressed the importance of following due process and legal procedures.
Justice Karim emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive review of the matter and called for upholding the rule of law. The court has requested input from the Punjab government and other stakeholders.
The petitioner contended that if images are to be featured on the bags, the ration should also be distributed using personal resources to preserve citizens’ dignity. The petition urged the court to mandate the removal of Nawaz Sharif’s photographs from the ration bags.
In response, the Punjab government and other parties defended the inclusion of Nawaz Sharif’s image, asserting it was for public welfare rather than personal promotion.
With the court’s decision, the debate regarding the utilization of public resources for political purposes persists.
Critics argue that featuring political figures’ pictures on essential goods undermines citizens’ dignity and raises concerns about transparency and governmental accountability.
