SHC rejects plea seeking change in by-polls schedule

Court says Muharram polls difficult, govt not to put ECP 'into any difficulty', orders maintenance of law and order

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court has rejected the plea of PSP leader Arshad Vohra against the holding of by-elections in NA-245 on a holiday.

A bench, headed by Justice Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro, heard the petition. Advocate Sofia Saeed stated that response of the election commission was not satisfactory. She asked the court to issue an order to hold voting on July 31 instead of July 27.

Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro remarked that election day was a holiday in any case. Saeed maintained that not all voters of the constituency have government jobs. "Most of them are working private jobs."

The counsel of the election commission stated that Muharram is likely to commence from August 2. The court remarked that holding elections during Muharram was difficult process. "The Sindh government does not want to put the ECP into any difficulty."

Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro remarked that if Muharram was not taking place, the court could have found a way out. The court remarked that if someone has to cast a vote, he will vote and go to work. "If something happens during Muharram, there can be serious consequences."

Sofia Saeed stated that the law and order situation should be improved. The bench decided that by-elections would be held on Wednesday, July 27, It directed law enforcement agency to make tight security arrangements.

The court ordered the use all resources to maintain law and order. Justice Kalhoro remarked that as Muharram will commence, the date of the election cannot be changed. The court rejected the plea and disposed of Arshad Vohra's petition.

Meanwhile, the SHC directed the FIA to submit a reply in journalist Mohsin Baig's plea against his inquiry. The petitioner also requested the restoration of his bank accounts. Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro heard the plea.

Mohsin Baig appeared in court, along with his counsel Latif Khosa. Deputy Attorney General Irfan Memon said that the investigation officer of the case was out of Karachi.

Justice Kalhoro asked whether the government wanted to end the case against Baig. The DAG took the position that according to his information, the case against Baig had been dismissed. However, it is yet to be signed.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16th, 2022.

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