ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has suspended the Election Commission (EC) notification regarding suspension of local government and cantonment board elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to the polls of the provincial assembly and members of local bodies and cantonment boards.
The case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC led by Chief Justice (CJ) Amir Farooq here Wednesday.
The court directed the representatives of Cantonment Board Peshawar and Wah Cantt to continue to work.
Lawyers Fazal Qadir and Aqeel Malik appeared in the court on behalf of the petitioner while Zaigham Anees represented EC.
The court inquired during the course of hearing of the case neither the election nor election schedule has been announced so far and you issued the notification of suspension. You suspended the local bodies representatives under what law.
The court remarked that on one side you are saying you don’t know election will take place when. Governor will tell you. On the other side you suspended the local bodies on arrival of schedule.
DG Law EC requested the court “ please hear me once.
The court remarked tell us one genuine reason as to why the local bodies were stopped from working . As nothing is being done in the country and you thought to suspend the local bodies.
The CJ IHC remarked “ just now I suspend the notification to the extent of petitioners. EC should tell as to why local bodies were stopped from working. EC should satisfy the court on next hearing.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case till March 14.