Senate rules against Islamabad LG polls

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ISLAMABAD:

The chairman of the Upper House of parliament gave a ruling against holding of local bodies’ elections in the federal capital under Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill 2015, which he claims has not become a law yet.

“As Senate chairman, I have taken oath under clause (2) of Article 53 read with Article 61 in the form set out in the Third Schedule of the Constitution of 1973 to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,” said Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani on Monday.

Rabbani responded to concerns over various lawmakers, who pointed out that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had breached the privilege of Parliament by issuing notifications for the local government elections in Islamabad.

The ECP has also filed a petition in the Supreme Court, requesting it to direct the government to expedite the passage of the bill by parliament. The top court has also asked the government to inform it today (Tuesday) about the status of the bill pending in the Senate.