ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the federal government on Thursday to explain its ‘double standards’ regarding banning indoor marriage functions while holding large public gatherings itself.
The court clarified that it cannot take responsibility if a function results in the spread of coronavirus, but can ask the government why the marquees were being discriminated against.
This was observed by the high court while presiding over the hearing of a petition against the ban on indoor marriage functions. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had ordered to impose the ban from November 20 due to rising coronavirus cases across the country.
During the proceedings, it summoned the officer authorised from the NCOC to explain the ‘double standards’ in person on November 18.
The petitioner’s counsel told the court that whilst marriages in marquees were being banned, the federal government and the opposition were holding large rallies.
“We also don’t want the court to interfere in the policy matters but, our opinion in the decision-making process must also be included.†the lawyer said.
“Make a policy but don’t make 10,000 people lose their jobs,” the lawyer added.
“The prime minister says that the government will not stop the wheel of the economy, but then why is this happening with marquees?†the lawyer further questioned.
He added that a marquee can be shut down but only if a ceremony being conducted in it is found to be in violation of the code of conduct.
After hearing the arguments, the judge quipped that, “Now you will either have a ban imposed on others too or have it lifted from yourself.â€
The court adjourned the case till November 18.
