Lahore High Court (LHC) was forced to withdraw its letter seeking VIP passes for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the families of judges. A copy of the letter circulated on social media on Thursday read LHC ordering the manager of Multan Cricket Stadium to arrange “VVIP passes and red vehicle stickers” for the superior court judges wishing to attend the HBL Pakistan Super League matches.
The senior additional registrar of the LHC had written a letter to the Manager of MSC that talked about senior judges wishing to attend the opening ceremony of PSL and league matches.
In England they play at Lords. In Pakistan we have My Lords pic.twitter.com/Bu3KSQCF8S
— Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) February 9, 2023
“I am, therefore, to ask you to arrange Chairman Box and provide Thirty (30) VVIP Passes and red vehicle stickers for the Opening Ceremony of PSL and Twenty (25) VVIP Passes for each match of PSL scheduled in Multan, immediately, in compliance with the desire of their Lordships in letter and spirit,” read the letter.
The letter was later withdrawn. Media reports state the letter was withdrawn after the request for the VIP passes was turned down.
“Now as per the order of the competent authority, the letter in question is hereby withdrawn and no action in this regard is required,” read the letter issued later. LHC Senior Additional Registrar said that “the letter has been inscribed to you inadvertently”.
Lahore High Court has sought 30 VIP passes & red vehicle stickers for opening ceremony of PSL. LHC also asked PBC to arrange 25 passes of each match scheduled in Mulan as per 'desire of lordships in letter & spirit' pic.twitter.com/vpkB2RHCrs
— Hasnaat Malik (@HasnaatMalik) February 9, 2023
The letter and the copy went viral on social media which spurred a strong reaction from the netizens. They criticized the LHC for what is deemed an “inappropriate request”.
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The debate also brought in the subject of the international rankings of the judicial system of Pakistan. Netizens also found the content of the letter ‘desire of their lordship’ as demeaning and offensive, reinforcing the belief of the judiciary above the civilians.
Pakistani journalist Mubashir Zaidi commenting on the letter said: “In England, they play at Lords. In Pakistan, we have My Lords.”