A writ petition is the constitutional remedy of choice when an arm of the state — a federal or provincial authority, statutory body or quasi-judicial tribunal — has acted unlawfully and no equally efficacious alternate remedy is available. Under Article 199 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the Lahore High Court is empowered to issue writs in the nature of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, habeas corpus and quo warranto. This guide explains how Rasheed & Associates files writ petitions at the LHC principal seat in Lahore.
1. Confirm maintainability before drafting
The single biggest reason for dismissal at admission stage is the existence of an alternate remedy. Before any draft is begun we examine: is there a statutory appeal, revision or review available? If yes, has it been exhausted, or is it inadequate?
We also confirm the petitioner is an ‘aggrieved person’ — a recurring threshold under Article 199 — and that the relief sought falls within the writ jurisdiction of the High Court (not, for example, a contractual dispute that lies before a civil court).
2. Drafting the memo of petition
The memo of petition must contain: a concise narrative of facts, the impugned action or order, the constitutional and statutory provisions invoked, and a clear prayer clause. Annexures are paginated and indexed.
We pair the memo with a list of dates, a synopsis (one-page summary), an affidavit of the petitioner, and a power of attorney in favour of counsel.
3. Court fee, filing and numbering
Court fee for a writ petition before the Lahore High Court is approximately PKR 5,000. Filing is done electronically via the LHC e-court portal and physically at the filing branch.
Once scrutinised, the petition is numbered (e.g. W.P. No. 12345/2026) and listed before a Bench within 1–4 weeks. Urgent matters can be moved by way of a separate urgent application supported by affidavit.
4. First hearing, notice and stay orders
At the first hearing the Bench may: admit the petition for regular hearing and issue notice to the respondents; grant an interim stay where irreparable harm is shown; or dismiss in limine if maintainability fails.
Where time-sensitive executive action is challenged (e.g. property auctions, demolitions, transfers, suspensions) we move a CM application for ad-interim stay simultaneously with filing.
5. Reply, rejoinder and final hearing
Respondents file parawise comments. We respond with a rejoinder where new factual material is introduced. The matter is then set for arguments — usually in 2–6 months in straightforward cases.
On final hearing the Bench may allow the petition (and issue the appropriate writ), dismiss it, or remand the matter back for fresh decision.
6. After the LHC order — ICA & Supreme Court
An adverse order of a single Judge is appealable by way of an Intra-Court Appeal (ICA) to a Division Bench within 20 days. Decisions of the Division Bench are challengeable before the Supreme Court of Pakistan by way of a Civil Petition for Leave to Appeal under Article 185(3) of the Constitution.
Last updated: 8 January 2026
