ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court today issued notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and sought reply by March 28 on an application filed by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The court, however, did not issue stay order on the commission’s notice.
Earlier this month, the ECP issued notices to PM Imran Khan and other public office holders from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) for attending a public rally ahead second phase of Local Government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The second phase of the KP local government polls are scheduled to be held at the end of March.
The election commission had announced that all the Parliament members are allowed to take part in electoral campaigns but only those who currently hold public offices are restricted.
PM Imran Khan had filed an application in Islamabad High Court challenging the ECP’s notice. In his application, the PM said the commission’s order restricting participation in election campaign is against the law. After the Election Act Amendment Ordinance, the commission can not bar public officer holders from participating in election campaigns.
Prime minister requested the court to set aside the notice by the commission.
The government through an ordinance had amended the election code of conduct last month paving the way for ministers and parliamentarians to run election campaigns of their favourite candidates in the country.
On Saturday, the court issued written order and asked the commission to submit a reply by March 28. The court has also asked the attorney general to assist the court as the matter requires interpretation of the constitution. The court did not grant stay order against the ECP’s notice.
