Suspension of ECP order against PTI MP extended

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday extended by two weeks the suspension of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) order to de-notify Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA from Karachi, Abdul Shakoor Shad.

The court’s order came on a petition against the acceptance of the lawmaker’s resignation.

During the hearing, Irfan Nasir Cheema represented the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Syed Ahsan Raza Kazmi, ECP’s DD law and deputy secretary of the National Assembly (NA) appeared before the court.

Cheema said that the lawmaker is not allowed to participate in the session, and the court should issue orders to enable this.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah said that there is great respect for the speaker and the parliament, and the court cannot issue orders on participation in the parliament session.

The judge said that the speaker should call Shad and ask him about his intentions, particularly whether he wants to vacate his seat or not.

The deputy attorney general told the court that the speaker returned a day ago and will look into the matter. He sought two weeks, which the court accepted, and adjourned the hearing.