RAWALPINDI: A hotel owner has approached the Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC), challenging the administration and police orders to shut down his business amid ongoing protest-related security measures.
The petition, filed through advocate Nazakat Hussain Abbasi on behalf of hotel owner Ahtisham ul Haq, challenges what the petitioner described as verbal directions issued by the district administration and police for the closure of his hotel.
According to the petition, authorities have forced the closure of hotels in the area more than 20 times over the past year, while the latest order has been issued for an indefinite period.
The petitioner argued that businesses were already struggling due to prevailing economic conditions and that repeated shutdowns had further intensified their financial difficulties.
He said prolonged closures had made it increasingly difficult to meet expenses, including electricity and gas bills, employees’ salaries and rent.
The petition names Punjab Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner and City Police Officer among the respondents. SP Rawal and SHO Pir Wadhai have also been included as parties.
The petitioner has asked the court to restrain the administration and police from allegedly harassing the business and to order the immediate reopening of the hotel.
He also sought protection from further closure orders without lawful justification.
