Pakistan, May 14 -- The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday granted the Punjab Chief Secretary time till May 14 to submit a reply in a petition challenging raids conducted by Pera force and police on theatres and drama halls.

Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad heard the petition filed by Sabir Ali and other theatre contractors. Advocate Mian Daoud appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while the government's counsel sought time to file a response.

The petitioners' counsel argued that theatre owners wanted to operate within the government-notified timings from 11pm to 1am, but were still being prevented from conducting shows. The lawyer contended that the government itself had fixed the operating hours for theatres and drama halls and that the...