LHC bars by-polls on two NA seats

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday suspended by-elections in two National Assembly constituencies – NA-108 Faisalabad and NA-118 Nankana Sahib, ARY News reported.

The LHC judge Justice Shahid Karim issued the verdict on petitions filed by PTI leaders Farrukh Habib and Ijaz Shah.

The petitioners argued that by-elections in both constituencies were scheduled to be held on May on May 28, adding that as per the law they could not be conducted when there are less than 90 days in completion of the National Assembly.

During the hearing today, Advocate Azhar Siddique told the court that the by-election could not be held 120 days before the expiry of the term of the National Assembly.

“The PHC had postponed the elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so it should be stopped in Punjab too,” he told court.

At this, the ECP advocate argued that the election was stopped in KP by making false statements in the Peshawar High Court, adding that all preparations for the elections have been completed, and the court should dismiss the petition.

After hearing arguments, the LHC judge suspended by-polls and sought reply from ECP and other respondents.