Says such regulations must be based on ‘administrative considerations in larger public interest’ An AFP file image ISLAMABAD: The apex court has ruled that exercise of the freedom to profess and practice religion must be reasonably regulated “on administrative considerations in the larger public interest”. "It is essential as well as expedient that exercise of the freedom [to profess and practice religion] is reasonably regulated on administrative considerations on the paramountcy of larger public interest," said a two-page order authored by Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed. The verdict came on an appeal filed by an individual who had earlier moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking issuance of a ‘mandamus’ for the district administration to make security arrangements for mourners’ procession during the month of Muharram at his village in Chakwal. The petitioner had requested that appropriate directions should be issued to Chakwal deputy commissioner (DC) to set in place the measures suggested by him in the petition. He had claimed that people of his village had been arranging annual Muharram procession for centuries. He had relied upon various articles of the Constitution. An LHC judge in chamber had disposed of the petition, stating that Chakwal DC had already […]
