LHC orders Punjab to appoint PCSW chairperson within 45 days

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday directed the Punjab government to complete the appointment of the chairperson of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW) within 45 days.

Justice Masud Abid Naqvi issued the order while disposing of a petition filed by civil society activist Amina Malik, who had challenged the prolonged vacancy in the post. Her counsel, Abdullah Malik, told the court that the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2014, made the appointment of a chairperson necessary for the commission to function effectively.

The petitioner’s lawyer said the position had remained vacant since 2019 despite repeated government advertisements for the post. He argued that the delay had impaired the commission’s capacity to advance and safeguard women’s rights.

In a written response, the commission’s secretary told the court that the process to fill the vacancy had begun in 2021 and that interviews had also been conducted. However, the reply said the process could not be concluded because a female member of the Punjab Assembly was unavailable to serve on the search committee constituted for the appointment.

The secretary’s reply maintained that the delay was not due to mala fide intent, saying constitutional and political developments, including the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly in 2023, had prevented the search committee from being lawfully formed and from completing its task. The reply also said the commission continued to perform its functions under the law.

According to the secretary, the appointment process remained underway after issuance of a fresh letter on March 4, 2024. The court then directed the provincial government to finish the process and ensure the appointment is made within the stipulated 45 days.

Gujranwala police case

In a separate matter, the LHC on Tuesday admonished Gujranwala police officials during proceedings on a petition linked to a viral video showing the heads of some handcuffed youths being shaved in police custody.

Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the petition filed by Muhammad Umar, while Advocate Ahmed Sher Jatt represented the petitioner. On the court’s direction, the Gujranwala Saddar superintendent of police and the relevant station house officer appeared before the bench.

Police officials told the court that the suspects were students who allegedly stopped buses by force and travelled without paying fares. They denied that the shaving was carried out in custody, claiming the youths had shaved their own heads to alter their appearance and avoid arrest.

The officials said four suspects had been released on assurances from local elders, while legal proceedings were initiated against the remaining three. When the judge asked who had recorded the video showing the youths in handcuffs, an official said it was possible that someone accompanying the suspects had filmed it.

Justice Bajwa rejected that explanation and expressed displeasure over the conduct of the SHO concerned. The officials further told the court that two policemen had been suspended for negligence.

The judge also asked the petitioner’s counsel why no affected person had appeared before the court. The lawyer responded that the affected persons were unable to come forward because they feared the police. He further alleged that the Crime Control Department was using ‘half fry and full fry’ tactics against suspects, causing fear among the public.

"Now we will see who shaves the heads of people in Gujranwala," Justice Bajwa warned the police.

The judge observed that the court would examine the report and pass an appropriate order in the matter.