Lahore High Court Chief Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed on Wednesday criticised the Punjab government for not holding local government elections in the province and using delaying tactics on the matter.
As the proceedings started, a provincial law officer told the court that the government has delayed the local government elections for another six months through a notification.
The CJ expressed annoyance over the statement and remarked that the Punjab government seemed to be disinterested in conducting local government elections in the near future.
The court also said the government has been accused of using delaying tactics in the past as well and that it is yet to make the election schedule.
The CJ adjourned the matter till May 9 and directed the law officer to inform the court about the date on which the local government elections will be held.
The CJ also directed that the election schedule be submitted before the court.
The Justice Saeed was hearing a petition filed by Asghar Gilani challenging the delay in holding the local government elections and the excuses given by the government for not doing it.
The petitioner’s counsel submitted that according to the constitution, it was mandatory to hold the local government elections, but the Punjab government was using delaying tactics in violation of the constitution.
LHC CJ criticises Punjab for not holding local govt polls
