ECP put on notice over delimitation of constituencies

The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and Sindh government on the petition of MQM Pakistan convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui regarding delimitation and legislation for local body elections on June 23.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar heard the petition of Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, convener of MQM Pakistan, regarding delimitation and legislation for local body elections.

Barrister Farogh A. Naseem appeared in the court on behalf of Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and contended that the Sindh government has already submitted reply in this case. "All political parties have agreed to postpone the elections. The minutes of the select committee have also been submitted. The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered the empowerment of local governments. The current Sindh Local Government Act is totally against the empowerment of local governments," he argued. Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar said "Let's listen to the ECP. The ECP has not even been noticed. The ECP has an important role to play in elections. The procedure for elections has gone a long way."

Naseem said: "The ECP should also look into the delimitation law. The delimitation committee also overstepped its authority."

The court inquired as to why the decision was made so late. "Why did the minutes come so late?" the court remarked.

SHC bars new constructions at Frere Hall

An SHC benh has issued a show-cause notice to Administrator KMC Murtaza Wahab on a petition regarding new constructions within the limits of Frere Hall.

Court restrained Wahab from interfering in the city’s heritage buildings and ordered immediate demolition of the gate.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21^st, 2022.