RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court’s Rawalpindi Bench has admitted a petition challenging the reported indefinite closure of hotels, motels and guest houses in the city amid security preparations for long marches announced by Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan heard the petition and issued notices to the Punjab Home Department, Rawalpindi Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and City Police Officer (CPO), seeking responses to the petition.
The petition was filed by trader Ahtisham-ul-Haq through his lawyer, Nazakat Hussain Abbasi. The petitioner has challenged what he described as verbal directions from the district administration and police to keep hotels closed for an indefinite period.
Business Owners Raise Concerns
According to the petition, hotels have allegedly been closed more than 20 times over the past year. The petitioner argued that repeated shutdowns were placing additional pressure on businesses already facing difficult economic conditions.
The petition states that prolonged closures have made it difficult for hotel operators to meet expenses including employees’ salaries, utility bills and rent.
The petitioner has asked the court to declare the indefinite closure of hotels, motels and rest houses unlawful and to restrain the administration and police from ordering further closures.
Security Measures Ahead of Marches
Authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad have stepped up security preparations ahead of several planned long marches and protests during September. Earlier reports said hotels, motels, rest houses and inns in Rawalpindi were among businesses expected to remain closed during the security measures.
The court has admitted the petition for hearing and issued notices to the concerned authorities. The case will determine the legal position of the challenged closure orders based on the responses submitted by the authorities.