No grounds to enlist TLP's member in fourth schedule: LHC

No grounds to enlist TLP's member in fourth schedule: LHC

Pakistan

TLP member Ghulam Abbas had challenged government order

LAHORE (Web Desk) - The Lahore High Court (LHC) nullified the orders to enlist the name of a Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) member in the Fourth Schedule, according to a written verdict released on Saturday. 

The Fourth Schedule, listed in the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 (ATA), comprises individuals under government observation due to suspected involvement in terrorism or sectarianism. 

The LHC issued the written order of a hearing held on July 13, in response to a plea filed by TLP member Ghulam Abbas against two orders: a 2021 order that included his name in the Fourth Schedule list, and a 2022 order that rejected his review petition against the previous decision.

Abbas frequently represents the TLP in negotiations with the government and was part of the group that signed a 12-point agreement last month, addressing various issues such as expediting the trial of blasphemy accused and easing conditions on the religio-political party.

The verdict, delivered by LHC Justices Ali Baqar Najafi and Muhammad Amjad Rafiq, determined that there were no valid grounds justifying the inclusion of the petitioner in the Fourth Schedule.