The Federal Constitutional Court on Monday restrained the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from proceeding with the disqualification case against National Assembly member Sohail Sultan until further orders.
The court issued notices to the ECP and other respondents and adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Rozi Khan heard the case. The matter relates to the alleged disqualification of Sohail Sultan, an MNA from Swat. The court ordered a stay on the ECP’s proceedings and sought replies from all parties.
During the hearing, Barrister Gohar appeared on behalf of Sohail Sultan and argued that a constitutional petition under Article 199 could be filed after the elections. He contended that the Speaker did not have the authority to send a reference in the matter and maintained that the Supreme Court had already settled this principle in the Nawaz Sharif case.
The court admitted the appeal for preliminary hearing and issued notices to the ECP and other respondents.
Sohail Sultan faces allegations of contesting elections without completing the mandatory two-year restriction period after becoming an assistant advocate. It was alleged that he participated in the election before fulfilling the required condition.
It is pertinent to note that the Election Commission had scheduled the case for hearing on Tuesday.
