Hotel Owners have challenged the repeated closure of businesses during protests in Rawalpindi. The petition has been filed before the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court.
The case was filed on behalf of hotel owner Ahtisham ul Haq. Advocate Nazakat Hussain Abbasi is representing the petitioner in the case.
The petition challenges verbal directions issued by the district administration and police. These directions reportedly ordered hotels to close during periods of protest activity.
According to the petitioner, hotels were closed more than 20 times within one year. He also claimed that authorities ordered the closure of his hotel for an indefinite period.
Hotel Owners Cite Financial Difficulties
The petitioner told the court that businesses are already facing financial pressure. He said repeated closures have created additional difficulties for business operators.
According to the petition, frequent shutdowns have affected the ability of businesses to meet their financial obligations. These include utility bills, employee salaries, and rental payments.
The petitioner argued that continued closures could further increase financial losses for hotel businesses. He maintained that businesses need to remain operational to meet their regular expenses.
The petition also challenges the manner in which the closure orders were issued. It states that the administration and police issued verbal directions for shutting down hotels.
The petitioner has therefore sought judicial intervention against the repeated closures.
Government Officials Named as Respondents
Several senior government and police officials have been named as respondents in the case.
These include the Chief Secretary Punjab, Home Secretary, Deputy Commissioner, and City Police Officer of Rawalpindi. The petition also names SP Rawal and the Station House Officer of Pir Wadhai.
The petitioner has asked the Lahore High Court to restrain the authorities from ordering further closures. He has also requested directions for the immediate reopening of the affected hotels.
The case raises concerns about the impact of protest-related business closures on local businesses. Hotel Owners say repeated shutdowns can create serious financial challenges.
However, the petition is currently before the court, and the requested relief has not yet been granted. Any directions from the Lahore High Court will determine the next steps in the matter.
Petition Seeks Immediate Reopening
The petitioner has specifically requested the court to stop the administration and police from enforcing the closure orders. He has also sought permission to resume hotel operations immediately.
The case highlights the tension between maintaining public order during protests and allowing businesses to continue operating. The petition focuses on the financial impact of repeated closures on hotel operators.
The court will consider the petition and the position of the respondents before deciding the matter. Further proceedings are expected to clarify whether the closure orders can continue.
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For now, the Hotel Owners’ petition remains under consideration before the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court.
