Hearing in MNA Sohail Sultan’s petition adjourned

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Thursday directed lawyers to come prepared for the next hearing in the petition filed by Member National Assembly Sohail Sultan from NA-4 Swat against the Election Commission’s proceedings against him.

The court also remarked that both the parties would be heard and a decision would be made in the next hearing.The petitioner’s lawyer informed the two-member bench comprising Justice Wiqar Ahmad and Justice Fazal Subhan that he had just submitted his power of attorney in the case and requested additional time for preparation.

The complainant’s lawyer, however, urged the court to schedule an early hearing, emphasising that the Election Commission’s proceedings had already been stayed in the previous hearing.Justice Wiqar Ahmad then directed both parties to come prepared for the next hearing, so the court could hear both sides before making a decision.

The petitioner’s lawyer argued that his client, MNA Sohail Sultan, was facing disqualification proceedings initiated by the Election Commission based on a reference sent by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The reference, he pleaded, claimed that Sohail Sultan previously served as Assistant Advocate General and contested elections before the legally required period after resigning from the post.

The lawyer contended that this objection should have been raised before the elections but was not brought up at that time.

He argued that the proceedings were politically motivated and aimed at targeting his client.The court then adjourned the hearing and directed lawyers to come fully prepared for the next hearing.