Notices to govt, ECP in LG Ord case

LAHORE
The Lahore High Court Thursday again issued notices to federal, Punjab governments and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a petition of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) challenging Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2015.
Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh had sought replies from the federal, Punjab governments and Election Commission of Pakistan but it was not submitted so far.
The judge had already admitted the petition for regular hearing and directed the respondents to submit their replies till August 20.
Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) Punjab president Basharat Aziz Jaspal moved a petition submitting that sections 2, 4 and 8 of the PLGO are repugnant to the Article 140-A, 25, and 17 of the Constitution as these impugned sections curtailed rights of the public at large especially their right to democratic and efficient governance. He said that it was malafide on part of the Punjab government to deny under the impugned provisions the representation of women, workers and youth members through direct election. He submitted that indirect election (section) would pave the way for corruption, as elected members are likely to be purchased as means of commodity. He said that denial of direct representation to the women, youth, workers, and non-Muslims is equally negation of Article 25 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination.
He stated that the candidates for reserved seats have equal legal right to be directly elected through votes of public at large. He requested to declare these provisions violation of the Constitution.