LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on petitions filed by former Punjab Assembly opposition leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar and two other ex-lawmakers, challenging their disqualification and seeking to block upcoming by-elections in their constituencies.
Justice Khalid Ishaq took up the petitions, with senior lawyer Shahzad Shaukat representing the petitioners. The counsel argued that no proceedings could be initiated against an assembly member without a reference from the speaker. He contended that the lawmakers had been disqualified without being given an opportunity to present their case, which amounted to a violation of natural justice.
A deputy attorney general informed the court that by-polls had not yet been announced in the constituencies. The petitioners’ lawyer requested the suspension of their disqualification and referral of the matter back to the ECP.
Justice Ishaq remarked that a stay order could not be granted without hearing the other side. He then issued notices to the ECP and the federal government, directing them to file replies by August 18.
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The petitioners include Muhammad Ahmad Chatha and Junaid Afzal Sahi, besides Bhachar. They were disqualified by the ECP after being convicted in May 9 violence cases by anti-terrorism courts in Sargodha and Faisalabad, where they were each sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.