Level playing field: Notices issued to top Punjab officials on PTI’s plea

Level playing field: Notices issued to top Punjab officials on PTI’s plea

Islamabad: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Punjab Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP) and advocate general on  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) petition seeking level-playing field ahead of upcoming general elections.

A three-member bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musrat Hilali heard the matter and adjourned the hearing of the case till January 8.

PTI lawyer Latif Khosa presented arguments on behalf of Advocate Shoaib Shaheen, who filed the appeal in the court.

Earlier, the apex court had directed the ECP to attend the PTI’s grievances urgently and resolve these expeditiously.

In line with the court’s order, the ECP representatives met the PTI delegation and assured them of addressing its grievances in the lead up to the February 8 national vote.

On December, the PTI filed another petition on December 26, seeking contempt of court proceedings against the ECP over the electoral body's alleged failure to ensure a level-playing field.

Last month, the top court ruled that no objections can be raised on the delimitations after the announcement of the schedule for the general elections.

The ECP had challenged changes to two constituencies in Zhob and Shirani made by the Balochistan High Court. However, the top court set aside the BHC’s order and accepted the ECP’s appeal.

The proceedings of the case were broadcast live on SC’s website. The court adjourned the case till January 8.