ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended Election Commission (EC) notification regarding suspension of Local Government and Cantonment Board elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to polls of provincial assembly and members of Local Bodies and Cantonment Boards.  Case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC led by Chief Justice Amir Farooq here.  Court directed representatives of Cantonment Board Peshawar and Wah Cantt to continue to work.

Lawyers Fazal Qadir and Aqeel Malik appeared in court on behalf of petitioner while Zaigham Anees represented EC. Court inquired during course of hearing of case neither election nor election schedule has been announced so far and you issued notification of suspension. You suspended Local Bodies representatives under what law.

Court remarked that on one side you are saying you don’t know election will take place when. Governor will tell you. On other side you suspended Local Bodies on arrival of schedule.

Court remarked tell us one genuine reason as to why Local Bodies were stopped from working. As nothing is being done in country and you thought to suspend Local Bodies.

CJ IHC remarked, “Just now I suspend notification to extent of petitioners. EC should tell as to why Local Bodies were stopped from working.” EC should satisfy court on next hearing. Court adjourned hearing of case till March 14.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 16 2023

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