PHC issues notice to ECP for postponing Charsadda by-polls

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), demanding an answer for the postponement of the September 25 by-polls, ARY News reported. 

The court has ordered the ECP to submit response latest by September 16, 2022.

According to details, the applicant argued in court that the ECP postponed the polls citing disturbances caused by floods in the country. However, it is pertinent to hold a by-poll on any seat within 60 days of its vacancy, he added.

Moreover, the applicant argued that the situation in the Charsadda district is normal, people have returned to their homes. PDM candidate Aimal Wali Khan had turned to court against the postponement of the by-polls on NA-24 Charsadda.

However, the ECP announced to hold the postponed by-polls on four national and Punjab assemblies’ constituencies on October 09. The commission announced that polling in NA-157 Multan, PP-139 Sheikhupura, PP-241 Bahawalnagar, and PP-209 Khanewal will be held on October 09.

Moreover, the secretary of ECP has been directed to seek an order from the Islamabad High Court regarding the decision on by-polls in nine constituencies of the National Assembly.

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“The high court while taking notice of the media reports has made it clear that only the membership of the respondent was restored,” it said while referring to the IHC decision to restore the National Assembly membership of PTI lawmaker Shakoor Shad.