The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday accepted Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman’s request to be granted more time to submit a response regarding a PTI petition seeking the announcement of a date for elections in the province.
The PTI on Jan 27 had approached the LHC, seeking its order for the Punjab governor to immediately announce a date of an election in the province since the assembly had been dissolved. The ECP had recommended the elections be held between April 9 and 17.
The petition, filed through PTI General Secretary Asad Umar, stated that more than 10 days had passed since the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly but Governor Rehman had failed to fulfil his constitutional duty of announcing an election date.
Justice Jawad Hassan, who presided over hearing, directed the respondent – the Punjab governor – to submit a detailed response to the court before the next hearing, which he adjourned till Feb 9.
At the outset of the hearing, the court asked the ECP lawyer about the date on which they plan to hold the provincial elections.
The lawyer responded: “We are ready to hold the elections. There has been a new development yesterday regarding this; the governor has responded to the ECP’s letter.
“The governor has asked the ECP to hold a discussion with all the stakeholders.” Justice Hassan remarked: “It is mentioned in the Constitution that the elections should be held within 90 days [of the assembly’s dissolution].”
The court asked: “How can you say that the economic situation has worsened? Even in the past, the economic situation has been bad but the elections were conducted.
“Various verdicts of the top courts are available regarding this matter.” The lawyer representing the federal government, Nassar Ahmed, responded that there was “plenty of time” till the 90-day period was over.
The judge, however, stressed that the date for the election should still be announced. “We are just talking about what is mentioned in the Constitution.”
The Centre’s lawyer replied: “No one is saying that elections would not be held.”
The court addressed the ECP lawyer: “Set the governor aside; you should announce the election date. “You are doing so much work [so] you should give the election date yourself.”
At this point, Governor Rehman’s lawyer also appeared in the court and asked for additional time to submit a response to the court.
Accepting the governor’s request, the court granted him additional time to submit a detailed response and directed him also to provide a copy to the petitioner (Umar).
