Electoral symbols, reserved seats: IHC issues notices on plea challenging ECP’s powers

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Thursday issued notices to the federal and as provincial governments, the PTI and the Sunni Ittehad Council to file comments on a petition challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s powers to deprive political parties of symbols and reserved seats in the assemblies. A single bench comprising Chief Justice Aamer Farooq took up a petition filed by Advocate Amina Ameer assailing the ECP’s powers of depriving political parties of election symbols and reserved seats.

The petitioner stated that the electoral body had no authority to interpret the constitution.

The court was pleaded to declare Section 104 of the Election Act 2017 and Election Rule 94 ultra vires of the constitution. After an initial hearing, the bench issued notices to the respondents to file their responses by May 31.