IHC to resume hearing of petitions challenging ECP members' appointment today.

Byline: SHAHID RAO

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will on Monday (today) resume hearing in three identical petitions challenging appointment of two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice of IHC Justice Athar Minallah will conduct hearing of the petitions filed by two lawmakers including Senator Muhammad Javed Abbasi and Member National Assembly Dr Nisar Ahmed Cheema and a lawyer Barrister Jahangir Khan Jadoon.

On the previous hearing, Justice Athar had directed the secretaries of National Assembly and the Senate to place this court order before the National Assembly Speaker and Senate Chairman for joint endeavour to resolve the issue regarding appointment of two members of the ECP. The IHC Chief Justice noted in its order, 'In view of the above, the Secretary of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Secretary of the Senate Secretariat are directed to place copies of this order before the worthy Chairman, Senate and the worthy Speaker of the National Assembly so that both may jointly endeavour to resolve the issue regarding appointmentof Members of the Election Commission between the Treasury and Opposition Benches so that the provisions of the Constitution are upheld in letter and spirit.''It is noted that the Election Commission

of Pakistan is one of the most important constitutional bodies

and the people of Pakistan will suffer if it is allowed to become non functional,' added the court order.It added that the secretaries of Senate and the National Assembly Secretariat are, therefore, directed to submit a joint report on or before the next date of hearing regarding the outcome of joint efforts made by the Chairman Senate and the Speaker of the National Assembly regarding settlement of disputes between the Treasury and Opposition benches so that they are resolved amicably and the constitutional provisions are upheld by appointing Members of the Election Commission of Pakistan in the manner prescribed under Article 213.The bench remarked in the order that written report has been filed on behalf of the Federation, wherein, it has been suggested that these proceedings be adjourned sine die because a petition has been filed before the august Supreme Court. The court said that the learned Additional Attorney General was asked whether the petition stated to have been filed has been entertained by the apex court. He has answered in the negative. Mere filing of a petition...