PTI knocks on LHC's for Punjab election with in 90 days

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has recently submitted a request to the Lahore High Court (LHC) calling for the governor of Punjab to immediately announce the date of the provincial Assembly election. This is to ensure that the election is held within 90 days of the assembly's dissolution. Asad Umar, PTI's Secretary General, filed the petition through his barrister, Ali Zafar, alleging that the governor of Punjab has not fulfilled his constitutional duty to appoint an election date within 90 days of the assembly's dissolution.

The petition highlights that on January 12, 2023, the then chief minister of Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, advised the governor to dissolve the assembly as per his constitutional powers. On January 14, 2023, the assembly was dissolved following the chief minister's advice. The speaker of the Punjab Assembly then requested the governor to fulfill his constitutional duty and appoint a date for the general election of the Assembly. The parliamentary leader of PTI Punjab, Sardar Usman Khan Buzdar, also conveyed the concerns of the PTI and the people of Punjab, requesting the governor to appoint a date for the election within the 90-day limit.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), responsible for organizing and conducting elections in the country, has also expressed its concern over the governor's inaction in appointing a date for the election. The ECP has stated that the governor's failure to appoint a date is causing difficulties in discharging its duties and organizing the election within the 90-day period. The petition notes that the entire province of Punjab is waiting for the election date, and the delay is affecting the plans of candidates and the right of the PTI to contest and participate in the election.

In conclusion, the petition states that the governor's inaction in appointing a date for the election is unlawful and unconstitutional and is depriving the PTI of its fundamental right to contest and participate in elections. The ECP has requested the governor to select a date between April 9, 2023, and April 13, 2023, but so far, the governor has failed to take any action. The petitioner has asked the LHC to give direction to the governor to fulfill his constitutional duty and announce the election date.