LAHORE: Following late-night chaotic session of Punjab Assembly during which Chief Minister Parvez Elahi managed to secure lawmakers’ confidence, Governor Baligh Ur Rehman told Lahore High Court (LHC) that he has taken back his order de-notifying Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) lawmaker as leader of house.

Elahi challenged Governor’s orders last month after he was de-notified as chief minister. However, LHC restored him when he assured bench that he will not dissolve assembly till next hearing.

A five-member bench headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh comprising Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal, Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir and Justice Asim Hafeez heard case.

During hearing, Barrister Ali Zafar, counsel for CM informed bench that his client had taken vote of confidence. He added that 186 members expressed confidence in Parvez Elahi. Governor’s counsel Mansoor Usman Awan also confirmed to bench that CM had taken vote of confidence. “Is Governor satisfied with vote of confidence?” asked Justice Abid. Awan urged bench to make Assembly proceedings part of court’s record. Justice Abid agreed with observation, saying LHC would have to look into everything.

At this, Barrister Zafar argued that Governor’s de-notification order was illegal and urged court to give its finding.

Justice Hafeez remarked that he would be giving an additional note in verdict, adding that bench will not go into matter of delivering justice in this case. Bench then disposed of petition.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 13 2023

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