LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) hearing case related to date of election in Punjab has remarked “Leave Governor. Election Commission should give date for election.” PTI leader Asad Umar petition seeking date for polls in Punjab came up for hearing before LHC yesterday.

LHC inquired from counsel of Election Commission, “When you will hold election. Counsel for EC replied, “We are ready to hold election. Justice Jawad Hassan remarked, “it is matter of public interest. Elections  have to take place. No one is taking it seriously. Everywhere it is written election should take place on time. He observed where is law officer. You have come here with what directives. Why no one has appeared on behalf of Governor.

Ali Zafar counsel for PTI said Governor has not given any date for polls in Punjab. Barrister Zafar read out order of Governor Punjab in court. Law officer told court new headway was made day before. Governor gave reply to letter of Election Commission. Governor wrote that Election Commission should make consultations with all stakeholders.

Justice Jawad Hassan remarked it is mentioned in Constitution elections are required to be held in 90 days. How can you say economic situation has deteriorated. Before it economic situation was also bad but elections were held. There are several decisions of superior judiciary in this regard. Counsel for federal government said there is too much time in completion of 90 days. Justice Jawad Hassan remarked “Give date when you will hold election. We are talking about what is mentioned in Constitution. Counsel for federal government said no one is saying that election will not take place.

Court addressing counsel of Election Commission said, “You should give date. You are doing so much work. You should yourself give date for election. Later, Justice Jawad Hassan directed counsel for Governor and other parties to submit their detailed replies by February 9-next hearing.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 04 2023

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