ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to submit a reply by November 14 regarding the petition challenging his election as president of PML-N.
The IHC also issued a written order for fixing the date for the hearing of the petition challenging Nawaz’s election as party president. Upon the order of the court, the Registrar Office of the IHC has sent a notice to the ousted prime minister.
Notices have also been issued to Law Federal Secretary, Establishment Division Secretary, Chief Election Commissioner, and Election Commission of Pakistan Secretary on the petition filed by Makhdoom Niaz Inqalabi and Abrar Raza.
IHC will hear the case on November 14.
Petitioner advocate Makhdoom Inqalabi argued that Election Act 2017 passed by the National Assembly and the Senate recently that allows a disqualified person to head a political party is in violation with the basic structure of the constitution.
The petitioner further stated that various cases seeking Nawaz’s election as party president and cancellation of the registration of PML-N are being heard at various courts and requested the court to stop Nawaz Sharif from engaging in political activities as the president of PML-N till the cases are concluded by the court.
He pleaded that until a decision is reached on the pending application, implementation on section 203 and 232 of Election Act should be stayed. The petitioner also pleaded the court to declare the Election Act 2017 as ultra vires of the constitution.