LAHORE – The Lahore High Court has reserved its verdict on a plea seeking a date for the general elections in Punjab. The Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, and the Chief Secretary appeared in the court to assure the judges that they will follow whatever decision the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) makes. During the hearing, the ECP’s lawyer stated that the court could not issue orders to parties not involved in the case, but the PTI’s lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that the ECP was made a party to the case by amending the petition.
The counsel for the ECP argued that there is no law binding the commission to give a date for the elections and added that the ECP requires full support from the federal government. On the other hand, the governor’s lawyer, Shahzad Shaukat, asked the court to reject the petition, saying that the governor was not bound to give a date for the polls.
In response, Barrister Zafar told the court that the chief secretary and IG had assured the court of performing their duties and that the president could give a date for the elections if directed by the court. Zafar argued that the question of not giving an election date cannot be left unanswered, adding that the president has not said no and would follow orders if directed by the court.
The court is expected to announce its verdict on the plea later today.
