Justice Ijaz Nisar of the Lahore High Court here on Friday observed that the court has no concern with political implication of outcome of Punjab Government's plea for postponement of elections as it would only decide the case on its merits. The court adjourned the hearing for October 6 on the request of Punjab government lawyer Khawaja Haris who was busy in Supreme Court.
On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan also submitted a report stating that it had provided ample opportunity to Punjab government before deciding and announcing election schedule. The report further said that law and order situation is not so bad that the by-elections should be deferred. "Elections are not being held throughout the province while polls would be carried in four constituencies. Punjab government has enough resources that it could easily maintain law and order situation in these areas," the report said.
The court handed over the copy of comments to petitioner-Punjab government and directed it to file rejoinder by next hearing. The judge also issued notice to Punjab government on an application moved to become necessary party in the case after Mustafa Ramday, also representing Punjab Government, was not ready to make a conceding statement.
The application is moved by Muhammad Latif, a candidate for NA-123, through Fawad Chaudhry advocate. Manzoor Ali Gilani, also a candidate for NA-123, withdrew his application to become a party after court pointed out some error in it. Chairman Awami Muslim League Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, a likely candidate from NA-55, was also present in the court. A lawyer from Rawalpindi represented him before the court.
As the judge was about to adjourned the case, Sheikh Rashid said inordinate delay in case could hamper election campaign. The court had not stayed election process at all, said judge adding that, " I know what happens in by-elections.
Punjab Government has filed a writ petition seeking postponement of forthcoming by-election to two seats each of National Assembly and Punjab Assembly in the context of deteriorating law and order situation in the province.
Chief Election Commission of Pakistan has announced to hold on November 7 polls in NA-123, Lahore, NA-55 Rawalpindi, PP-82, Jhang and PP-284 Bahawalnagar and Punjab government has challenged it in LHC. Punjab government had argued that on account of serious threats to the lives of certain political and religious leaders, a grave law and order situation has emerged in the country in general and in the province of Punjab in particular.
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