LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) directed Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to decide within seven days Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf application, seeking to halt appointment of 22 officers in Punjab. LHC Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir issued direction on PTI petition containing grievances against postings of twenty-two officers that according to them may influence upcoming elections in Punjab.

PTI’s Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry filed petition seeking directions to quarters concerned to restrain from posting twenty-two officers in Punjab until forthcoming general elections in province are held and formation of government is completed.

Petitioner made Election Commission of Pakistan through its secretary, Federation of Pakistan through its secretary establishment division, Province of Punjab through Chief Secretary, Government of Punjab through secretary to government and Inspector General Police Punjab respondents in case.

As proceedings commenced, PTI’s counsel argued that they have strong concerns over said officers and their appointment be stopped before elections. “These officers may affect upcoming elections,” it added. Punjab law officer opposed arguments of petitioner’s counsel contending that government assisted ECP in conducting elections, adding that maintaining law and order in province is not possible without appointments of officers.

However, ECP miserably failed to act in accordance with law and Constitution and has not only slept over petitioner’s application but instead granted free hand to “Controversial” caretaker government to issue blanket orders of transfer and postings throughout province, read petition.

Petitioner prayed court to pass directions to all respondents, to ensure that such government officers against whom any political party expresses its reservations regarding any likelihood of materially affecting forthcoming elections, should not be posted in Punjab and be forthwith removed from his post and substituted with some other honest and impartial officer of good repute, until forthcoming general elections are held and process of formation of government is completed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 06 2023

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