Pleas against prize bond discontinuation dismissed

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday dismissed a set of petitions challenging the federal government’s decision to discontinue Rs7,500 prize bonds two days before the schedule draw.

Several citizens had filed the petitions pleading that the government’s decision was unlawful and discriminatory in nature. They said the draw of the prize bonds was scheduled for May 2, but the government issued a notification on April 29 announcing discontinuation of the bond.

The petitioners had requested the court to set aside the notification and allow sale and purchase of the bond.

Justice Jawad Hassan of the LHC dismissed the petitions while announcing the verdict that he reserved before Eid holidays. The judge observed that the impugned action was a policy decision of the government and courts could not interfere in it.