Trader leader and proprietor of Pothohar Hotel, Haji Muhammad Asghar Qureshi, has accused the Municipal Committee Gujjar Khan of contempt of court during a press conference held here. He stated that following the directives of the High Court, he approached the Civil Court where Justice was served by the court of Civil Judge Muhammad Anis.
According to Haji Asghar Qureshi, the Civil Court clearly ordered the de-sealing of Pothwar Hotel and annulled the auction advertisement issued by the Municipal Committee Gujjar Khan on December 27, 2025. The court also ruled that the Municipal Committee could only collect rent under the terms of the existing agreement. However, contrary to the court orders, the auction of the hotel was conducted behind closed doors, and journalists were not allowed to witness the proceedings.
He further alleged that despite clear court orders, the hotel was not de-sealed, which amounts to an open violation of judicial directives and contempt of court by the Chief Officer of the Municipal Committee Gujjar Khan. He announced that he would file a contempt of court case against the concerned officials.
Several trader representatives, including Khawaja Waqas Akbar and around a dozen other traders, were present at the press conference. Haji Asghar Qureshi expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation from the local administration and urged officials to serve the public rather than create hardships for citizens.
Appealing to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the Chief Secretary of Punjab, he demanded immediate intervention to stop what he termed as injustice against him. He also stated that he would attempt to personally meet the Chief Minister in Lahore.
Haji Asghar Qureshi explained that the Pothwar Hotel was constructed on a plot allotted by the Municipal Committee Gujar Khan, which he built in 2001 using his own funds in accordance with the approved building plan. He added that a formal lease agreement exists between him and the Municipal Committee, and he has regularly paid rent, with complete records available.
He warned that the ongoing actions have jeopardised the livelihoods of approximately 35 families connected to the hotel, including employees and dependents, pushing them towards severe financial hardship. He expressed hope that the district administration and the Punjab Government would take strict notice of the matter and ensure justice is served.