A five-member bench of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday adjourned the hearing of a contempt petition against President Asif Ali Zardari till January 14, with directions to the attorney general and federation’s counsel to forward their arguments on Article 248 (2) at the next hearing.
The bench headed by LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the contempt petition filed by Muneer Ahmad Khan against President Asif Ali Zardari for not complying with the court order in dual office case.
Earlier, Additional Attorney General Abdul Hai Gilani informed the court that Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Irfan Qadir would not attend the day’s proceedings on account of a strike call announced by Pakistan Bar Council.
However, the chief justice observed that it was not appropriate for a principal law officer to observe a strike. He further said that the strike was scheduled to start at 10.30am whereas the bench started its proceedings at 10am. The chief justice added that the attorney general had promised to forward arguments on Article 248 (2) and his absence was acceptable for the bench.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial stressed that it was an important constitutional matter and assistance on behalf of federation would be helpful.
The bench adjourned the hearing till January 14 with directions to AGP and federation’s counsel to forward arguments on the implication of Article 248 (2) in the case.
