The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has prolonged its stay order until March 13, preventing the Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) appointed to the Lower House of parliament on reserved seats from taking the oath of office.
In a significant legal development, the court resumed proceedings on Thursday morning regarding an application filed by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) concerning the Election Commission’s refusal to allocate reserved seats to the party.
Chaired by Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim, a five-member larger bench convened to address the SIC’s plea. Present in the courtroom were the petitioner’s legal representatives, the Additional Attorney General (AAG), and representatives from other relevant parties.
During the hearing, the AAG informed the court about the unavailability of the attorney general, who was engaged in proceedings in the Supreme Court. Consequently, the court granted more time for adequate case preparation.
“We have summoned the attorney general,” remarked Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim.
Additionally, it was announced that a new advocate general would be appointed on the same day.
Given the ongoing developments and the absence of the attorney general, the court decided to extend the stay order until March 13 to maintain the status quo regarding the oath-taking of National Assembly members on reserved seats.
Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim emphasized the significance of the attorney general’s presence in the next hearing, expecting his attendance.
The hearing concluded with the announcement that Justice Ibrahim would preside over the case once again on Wednesday, ensuring the continuation of the legal proceedings.
