LHC orders smooth election of Punjab chief minister tomorrow
Reserves ruling on appeals challenging restoration of deputy speaker’s powers
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After listening to the arguments of lawyers for all the parties, the Lahore High Court (LHC) reserved Friday a verdict on the intra-court appeals filed against the restoration of the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker’s powers, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
A two-member LHC bench, comprising Justice Shujaat Ali Khan and Justice Jawad Hassan, observed while hearing the pleas that postponing the Punjab Assembly session till April 16 was against the Constitution.
The LHC bench stated that the court would review every unconstitutional act by Punjab Assembly Speaker as the Constitution did not protect any ruling issued by abusing the powers.
“The Supreme Court had also declared the National Assembly deputy speaker’s recent ruling null and void,” it pointed out and added that Parvez Elahi, being a candidate for the slot of Punjab Chief Minister, could not use the powers of Punjab Assembly Speaker.
“Before a vote of no-confidence against the deputy speaker, the election of Punjab Chief Minister is a priority. Till then, the no-confidence motion against him will remain pending,” said the bench.
“The Punjab Assembly speaker cannot deprive the deputy speaker of his powers,” it added.
“The brawl on the Punjab Assembly premises was of minor type. Only a few chairs and tables were broken that could be repaired within four days. The assembly secretary did not ensure repairs to the broken chairs and tables before the filing of the appeals. It is very unfortunate on his part.”
The court also rejected the appeal for cross-examining Hamza Shehbaz and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari for recording false affidavit.
It also declared the plea against the transfer of Punjab Chief Secretary and Inspector General of Police (IGP) ineffective.
On the occasion, the court also stated that the election of Punjab Chief Minister should be held according to the law and voting should be carried out in a decent and honoured way.
“No lawmaker should feel any difficulty in reaching the Punjab Assembly. No disruption should take place whatsoever,” it added and directed the Punjab IGP to provide foolproof security to all members of the Punjab Assembly.
While hearing the appeal, Justice Shujaat Ali Khan questioned from Dost Muhammad Mazari whether Punjab Assembly Speaker could deprive him of his powers.
Dost Muhammad Mazari informed the LHC judge that the Speaker did not have the prerogative to deprive him of his powers.
At this, Justice Jawad Hassan remarked, “One can do whatever one wants. The Constitution stands by you.”
It is to be noted that Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari, Punjab Assembly Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, and the IGP Rao Sardar Ali Khan had been made respondents in the appeal.
All of them had appeared before the court.
Reporter: Malik Ashraf