PML-N, PPP, JUI move SC to become party in elections case

The Registrar Office of the Supreme Court on Wednesday received a joint application of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Pakistan People’s Party and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam to become a party in the case about delay in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa elections.

The Registrar Office earlier declined to accept the joint application advising parties to submit it during the proceedings of the case today but later it changed its mind and agreed to receive it.

A larger five-judge SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail resumes hearing today at 11:30am of the petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf pertaining to delay in elections in Punjab and KP.

Earlier, there were reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may attend today’s proceedings at the Supreme Court but after holding a meeting with Attorney General of Pakistan (AFP) Mansoor Usman Awan at the PM House on Wednesday morning the premier decided not to go to the apex court, sources said.

According to the sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz has directed the members of federal cabinet to reach the apex court at 11:30am today.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took up the PTI plea challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to defer the polls in Punjab and KP.

Yesterday, PTI lawyer Ali Zafar completed his arguments.

Today, the attorney general will continue his arguments and the ECP’s lawyer will also present Commission’s stance.