Lahore: (Staff Reporter) The Lahore High Court (LHC) admitted for hearing a plea filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against not giving a date for the general election in Punjab. The plea was heard by Justice Jawad Hassan of LHC, in which Barrister Ali Zafar presented arguments on behalf of the PTI. PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, former speaker Sibtain Khan, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Shibli Faraz and Ali Sahi were present in the courtroom during the hearing.
According to the source, Lawyer Ali Zafar argued that elections were supposed to be held within 90 days after the assembly had been dissolved but the Punjab governor had not even announced the date for elections. He further requested the court to direct the Punjab governor to announce the date of elections in the province.
As per details Justice Jawad Hassan remarked that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should be made party in the case as it needed to be addressed that who was responsible for announcing the election date. The lawyer replied that the ECP also stood with them on the matter as the electoral watchdog had already sent a letter to the Punjab governor, seeking the election date and received no response from the other side. Justice Jawad Hassan said the one responsible for the regulation of elections would be sought as the court would make efforts for upholding democracy. “Elections will be held within 90 days.”
Furthermore the court was irked over a lack of preparation by the governor’s lawyer. “The PTI and the ECP have sent letters seeking a response, what is your stance on the matter?” inquired Justice Jawad. The federal government’s lawyer sought time to present arguments before the court. The court admitted the PTI’s plea for hearing and issued notices seeking a response till Feb 3 to the Punjab governor and the ECP.
