IHC seeks ECP's comment on petitions against LG ordinance

 ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday sought comments from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in similar petitions against the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance 2021. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the cases filed by Capital Development Authority (CDA) officials. Association, CDA Mazdoor Sangh and former President Sangh Parishad Sardar Mehtab. Adil Aziz Qazi, counsel for the petitioners, took the stand before the court that the delimitation process was going on in the federal capital. If the ordinance expires during this period, the whole process will become useless.

The court asked why the Ordinance was introduced in the presence of an Act, saying that the Ordinance can be promulgated only in case of emergency. The court said it would be able to take a decision regarding the stay order against the ordinance after hearing the ECP. The court also directed the Ministry of Law and Justice to explain why the Local Government Act was superseded with an ordinance. Justice Kayani said the court would decide on the stay order against the ordinance after hearing the respondents on February 7. Thereafter the hearing was adjourned.