PTI chairmanship: Imran’s plea sent to LHC CJ

A Lahore High Court (LHC) judge on Wednesday referred a petition filed by PTI Chairman Imran Khan, challenging a notice of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on proceedings to remove him from party chairmanship after his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference, to the chief justice with a request to form a larger bench for its hearing.

Also in Islamabad, the ECP adjourned the hearing pertaining to the removal of Imran from the chairmanship of the PTI until January 25. A five-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the case seeking Imran's removal as party chief following his disqualification in the Toshakhana reference.

The LHC observed that important legal points had been raised in the petition, which needed to be heard by a larger bench. The court also extended interim relief granted to the PTI chairman till the next date of hearing. The single bench comprising Justice Jawad Hassan heard the petition.

The counsel for the ECP sought time for filing a reply. Additional Attorney General Nasar Ahmad raised objections over maintainability of the petition, saying that the petitioner had concealed facts from the court.

He submitted that the PTI chairman had already filed an identical petition in the Islamabad High Court, wherein the court had issued notices to the respondents, besides granting the PTI chief interim relief.

However, Imran's counsel submitted that the fact had been disclosed in paragraph 12 of the petition. At this stage, the court observed that important legal points had been raised in the petition; therefore, it would be appropriate that a larger bench should hear the matter.

Subsequently, the court referred the petition to the LHC chief justice with a request to form a larger bench for its hearing.

With input from News Desk