ISLAMABAD: As 43 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers make an attempt to return to National Assembly, Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf said that he is yet to receive Lahore High Court (LHC) order that suspended Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification regarding MNAs resignations. “After receiving verdict, it would be thoroughly read and then decision regarding entry of members would be taken,” Speaker said in video statement issued.

Meanwhile, sources in National Assembly said secretariat was consulting its legal team on order. LHC a day earlier suspended ECP order that de-notified 43 PTI MNAs after their resignations were sent to electoral body by Speaker Ashraf.

Earlier, sources told that 43 PTI MNAs had decided to visit Parliament House today on directions of party Chairman Imran Khan following LHC order. Lawmakers arrived in Islamabad today as per PTI Chief’s instructions.  However, after Speaker’s statement, lawmakers changed their plans and will be going to Parliament lodges instead.

PTI MNA Nusrat Wahid, one of 43 lawmakers who had approached LHC, said that they cannot go to Assembly till they get written court order.  “Right now best policy is to wait for court order.

We are soldiers of Imran Khan and try not to do anything illegal,” said Wahid.  However, 43 PTI lawmakers challenged decision in LHC. High Court while suspending ECP notification also stayed by-elections on 43 constituencies till further notice.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2023

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