Lahore High Court to Hear Petition Against Ban on Ashura Processions

Shiite News: The Lahore High Court has scheduled a hearing for September 25 on a petition challenging the ban on the annual Ashura procession.
The petition, filed by the Al-Mustafa Lawyers Forum, argues that the ban violates religious freedom guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan.
The petition asserts that the Punjab Home Department’s notification imposing a ban on the Ashura procession is illegal and a direct violation of fundamental human rights.
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, Ashura processions are a religious tradition, and the restriction on such practices undermines the constitutional right to religious freedom.
The lawyer emphasized that citizens are being prevented from practicing their religious beliefs, which the petition argues is unacceptable.
The court has issued notices to the relevant authorities, directing them to submit a detailed response explaining the justification for the ban. The next hearing is set for September 25.
The petition requests that the court annul the notification issued by the Punjab Home Department and ensure that citizens’ constitutional right to religious freedom is protected.