LHC conducts hearing on petition seeking early CM Punjab elections

LHC resumes hearing on the case looking into the matter of elections for Chief Minister of Punjab

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Lahore High Court (LHC) resumes hearing on the case looking into the matter of elections for Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Dunya News reported on Tuesday.

According to details, Barrister Ali Zafar, the lawyer representing Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has completed his argument in which he said that we are following the Assembly rules therefore the court should not intervene.

The Barrister also stated that when the Speaker of the house is present, the deputy speaker cannot use his powers.

Barrister Ali Zafar further said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had “elected” Hamza Shehbaz as CM at a hotel.

The Chief Justice (CJ) Ameer Bhatti countered this argument and inquired that if the Speaker himself is contesting for the seat of CM, can he still use his powers.

The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court further questioned that can anyone become the Chief Minister without taking the oath.

According to the earlier hearing on the petition filed in the LHC by PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court Ameer Bhatti summoned the Advocate General Punjab immediately.

While, PML-N lawyer Azam Nazir Tarar, in his arguments before the court, said the largest province by population is deprived of administrative head.

It merits mention here that, a constitutional petition was filed by PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz in the LHC.

The petition appealed to the court to look into the matter of elections for the position of Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab as it has been vacant since April 1.

As per sources, the other parties named in the petition are Speaker of Punjab Assembly, Deputy Speaker and others.

The earlier hearing concluded on the case against the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly on taking back his powers and Kamil Ali Agha of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) had pleaded to be a party in the petition filed, Dunya News reported on Mondy.

According to the Chief Justice (CJ), the Court will have to see whether the Punjab Assembly session can be adjourned in such a manner.

However, CJ Lahore High Court remarked that when the process of the elections for the Chief Minister (CM) had started, the session can not be adjourned.

Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti further asked asked the lawyer of Perviz Elahi that was he aware of how the election of Chief Minister (CM) is held.

Upon the Chief Justice s question, Barrister Ali Zafar said that according to assembly roles, the Speaker has the right to adjourn the Assembly Session.

CJ of LHC replied to the Barrister s remark by stating that according to his understanding of the assembly roles, the date of the elections cannot be changed.

Barrister Ali Zafar asked for some time to submit his reply.