LHC admits PTI’s plea seeking announcement of election date in Punjab for hearing

LAHORE, Jan 30 (DNA): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday admitted for
hearing a plea filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against not
giving a date for the general election in Punjab.

The plea was heard by Justice Jawad Hassan of LHC, in which Barrister
Ali Zafar presented arguments on behalf of the PTI. PTI Secretary
General Asad Umar, former speaker Sibtain Khan, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Shibli
Faraz and Ali Sahi were present in the courtroom during the hearing.

Lawyer Ali Zafar argued that elections were supposed to be held within
90 days after the assembly had been dissolved but the Punjab governor
had not even announced the date for elections. He further requested the
court to direct the Punjab governor to announce the date of elections in
the province.

Justice Jawad Hassan remarked that the Election Commission of Pakistan
(ECP) should be made party in the case as it needed to be addressed that
who was responsible for announcing the election date. The lawyer replied
that the ECP also stood with them on the matter as the electoral
watchdog had already sent a letter to the Punjab governor, seeking the
election date and received no response from the other side.

Justice Jawad Hassan said the one responsible for the regulation of
elections would be sought as the court would make efforts for upholding
democracy. “Elections will be held within 90 days.”

The court was irked over a lack of preparation by the governor’s lawyer.
  “The PTI and the ECP have sent letters seeking a response, what is your
stance on the matter?” inquired Justice Jawad. The federal government’s
lawyer sought time to present arguments before the court.

The court admitted the PTI’s plea for hearing and issued notices seeking
a response till Feb 3 to the Punjab governor and the ECP.