It seems ECP did not consult political parties: IHC

ISLAMABAD: A division bench of the IHC on Tuesday observed it appears the ECP while issuing the order of suspending the Kissan Package did not consult the political parties in accordance with the law. The IHC bench comprising Justice Noorul Haq N Qureshi and Justice Aamir Farooq granted one-day time to the ECP directing it to come up with details before the court today (Wednesday).
An additional director general (ADG) ECP Muhammad Arshad appeared before the court and sought some time for the ECP to appoint a lawyer. The ADG ECP argued that the September 29 notification restraining the federal government from implementing the Kissan Package was issued in consultation with the political parties. The court then said that if it was done after meetings then surely there must be minutes to the meeting. The IHC bench directed the ADG ECP to produce the minutes of meeting before the court. The AG argued that the ECP did not do any consultation with the political parties which is a violation of the Political Parties Order. A code of conduct could only be issued after consultation with the political parties, the AG said. He said Kissan Package is not meant for Sindh and Punjab only but it is for the whole country. He said a delay in its implementation is causing trouble for the farmers. The AG requested the court to issue a stay order. The court declined his request and observed that it would decide this matter after hearing from the other side. The Ministry of Food Security and Research through an additional attorney general of Pakistan Waqar Rana has challenged before the IHC a September 29 decision of the ECP whereby the federal government was restrained from implementing the Kissan Package.