LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday summoned the interior secretary after a federal government lawyer failed to apprise the court about any action taken against London-based leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for his `anti-state` speechesand activities.

Heading a full bench, Justice Syed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi observed that the government seemed non-serious about taking action against the party or its chief. The bench also expressed dismay over non-appearance of Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf and any representative from the interior ministry.

As the bench resumed hearing, Additional Attorney General Naseer Ahmad Bhutta appeared and said the attorney general was in Islamabad to attend a meeting of judicial commission on judges` appointment.

Advocate Aftab Virk, AbdullahMalik and others filed petitions for cancellation of MQM`s registration as political party and action against Altaf Husain under treason charges.

Justice Naqvi noted with concern that more than one month elapsed since the MQM leader`s anti-Pakistan speech, there was no progress on part of the government so far.

The law officer said the matter needed a very kind indulgence and more time would be required to seek instructions from the government about the step taken in the matter.

Representing the petitioners, Advocate Azhar Siddique told thecourt that the government allowed leaders of the MQM (London) to hold a press conference at Karachi Press Club two days ago. Mr Bhutta stated that the Rangers had taken action againsttheleaders.

However, the bench observed that the action of the Rangers did not absolve the government of its responsibilities. `Whether the government really intends to take action,` the bench repeatedly asked the of ficer.

However, the additional attorney general could not come up with a satisfactory answer to court`s queries. He had no clear response when asked by the court, `Who is the person to whom you wouldseek instruction?` At one point, the law officer argued that the petitioners had not mentioned any particular political party against whom they wanted the action.

The bench, however, did not buy this argument. The law officer asked the bench to grant more time for a clear report on the matter.

The bench, however, summoned the interior secretary in person on Oct 24.

Justice Mazhar Iqbal Sidhu and Justice Erum Sajjad Gull are other members of the full bench that had put a ban on media coverage of Altaf Husain`s all activities.