Lawmakers asked to rise above political differences in ECP case.

Byline: Iftikhar A. Khan

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday asked the lawmakers to rise above their political differences and make constitutional provisions workable.

'It is a test of and challenge for every member of the Majlis-i-Shoora (parliaAment) in general and the leaders of the house and opposition in particular to honour every word of the oath and establish that they are truly ameen of the trust reposed in them by the people of Pakistan,' IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah observed in an order issued in a case relating to appointment of two members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

National Assembly Secretary Tahir Hussain appeared before the court and informed it that considerable progress had been made by the parliamentary committee and it is expected that the treasury and opposition benches will be able to amicably resolve the issue regarding appointment of the chief election commissioner (CEC) and two members of the ECP.

He apprised the court of efforts made by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar and Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani in this regard. He made a request on their behalf to adjourn the matter so that the issue could be resolved by parliament.

The court in its order reiterated that the dignity, authority and supremacy of parliament was of paramount importance and intervention by courts was neither desirable nor in consonance with the intent of the framers of the Constitution.

'Every member of the Majlis-i-Shoora has taken oath in the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most MerciAful to perform...