Peshawar: Peshawar High Court (PHC) has stopped Election Commission (EC) from holding by polls in NA-1 Chitral. PHC has stopped holding by - election in connection with petition filed by former MNA Abdul Latif against his disqualification.

The petition came up for hearing before Justice Syed Arshad Ali and justice Dr Khurshid Iqbal Friday.

The court while issuing notice to Attorney General (AG) and EC directed the NA-1 Chital seat be not filled till the decision of this petition. During the hearing of the case, Moazaam Butt advocate counsel for the petitioner argued the petitioner was elected as MNA from NA-1 Chitral.

Speaker National Assembly (NA) sent reference for disqualification to NA without any notice. It has been said in the reference that Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) has awarded 10 years sentence to the petitioner. Therefore, he be de-seated.

Moazzam But advocate said EC gave us notice and disqualified petitioner without any process and hearing him. EC has declared NA-1 Chitral seat vacant.

As per law reference goes to EC and it has to give decision on it within 90 days.

The counsel for the petitioner said ATC announced the decision in the absence of petitioner. We have filed appeal against sentence.

The court while preventing EC from holding by polls on NA-1 Chitral seat has adjourned the hearing till August 20.