BHC suspends DC’s orders with regard to NOC regarding Quetta Press Club
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has suspended the order passed by Deputy Commissioner Quetta in respect of restraining any organization or political party from organizing a conference or seminar at the Quetta Press Club without NOC from the district administration.
The BHC comprising Mr. Justice Rozi Khan Bareach and Mr. Justice Sardar Ahmed Halimi ordered that the impugned order dated August 27, 2024 passed by the Deputy Commissioner Quetta with regard to NOC regarding Quetta Press Club shall remain suspended.
According to the judgment, the learned AAG sought time to satisfy the court on the point that under which law the Deputy Commissioner is competent to pass any order in respect of restraining any organization or political party from organizing a conference or seminar at the Press Club without NOC from the district administration.
The learned AAG stated that he has already submitted reply of the same, which is unsatisfactory because it is tantamount to violation of Article 19 of the constitution of Pakistan 1973 which provides that “every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press.”
In view of the above, the learned AAG is directed to submit detailed report on next date and notice be also issued to the Secretary Press Club with direction to submit report in this regard by or before the next date.
The learned counsel for the petitioner requested that till next date operation of the impugned order dated August 27, 2024 be suspended.
The court allowed the request as made and suspended the DC’s order regarding NOC for the Press Club.
