Islamabad (Web Desk): The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday resumed hearing Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Peervez Elahi's petition against Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari’s decision in re-election of the provincial chief minister which led to Hamza Shehbaz’s victory.
On Friday, the Punjab Assembly deputy speaker had dismissed Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid's (PML-Q) 10 votes after party head Chaudhry Shujaat asked them to vote in favour of Hamza, but they did not follow his instructions.
But the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pervez Elahi did not accept this and approached the SC.
A three-member bench, comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, is holding the hearing at the Supreme Court's room number 1.
At the previous hearing on Saturday, the court had allowed Hamza to remain "trustee" chief minister till Monday (today).
Strict security measures have been taken as Rangers have been deployed at entry points of the apex court to avoid any untoward situation.
In a statement, an official of the Islamabad police said only leaders of respondent parties would be allowed to enter the court premises with the permission of the SC administration.
He added that lists of leaders had been provided by political parties in this regard.
“No rally, procession or gathering will be allowed in the Red Zone, including around the Supreme Court,” the police official said.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz Sharif has filed a separate petition, seeking formation of a full court bench in a case against his election, a demand which has also been reiterated by leaders of government's coalition parties in press conference in Islamabad.
More to follow.....
