Daily Times

The Sindh High Court (SHC) ordered the Rangers to help police pertaining to crackdown on gutka sellers and manufacturers.

A SHC bench, headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, heard a petition seeking ban gutka and other harmful substances. The petition was filed by one Naseem Haider.

During the hearing, the court was informed that the petitioner seeking ban on Gutka and other harmful substances has already died.

The petitioners’ counsel Muzammil Mumtaz Memo, informed the bench that petitioner Naseem Haider died of mouth cancer and his mother and sister have appeared in the court.

Naseem Haider’s sister informed the bench that her two brothers died due to use of Gutka. She pleaded for a complete ban on this harmful substance.

The court asked from government official that why the legislation was not carried out as yet? “The bill has been sent to Governor of Sindh after its approval by the provincial cabinet,” the government official replied.

The court observed that crackdown on gutka, mainpuri, mava and other harmful substances is slowed down in the city. The bench ordered for a strong operation against the selling and use of Gutka and other substances in Karachi.

Gutka is being made and sold in Jodia Bazaar area of the city, petitioner’s counsel said.

However, the Police in its report claimed that a crackdown has been launched on Gutka across the province.

The bench ordered the IGP to enhance the operation and the court should be informed in the next hearing about the number of raids and cases registered against the offenders.

The court also ordered the Rangers to help police in crackdown on selling of Gutka.

Later, the court adjourned hearing till 3rd March by directing the government to submit its final report about the legislation matter in next hearing.

Meanwhile, Adil Zaman, the brother of prime suspect in Mureed Abbas murder case on Monday approached the Sindh High Court (SHC) for the bail.

The SHC has served notices to the respondents including the prosecutor general Sindh to submit reply till February 13.

It may be noted that the trial court had rejected Adil Zaman’s bail plea.