The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Monday barred the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from initiating any action against Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan in connection with a notice served over alleged non-declaration of assets.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Khurshid Iqbal issued the restraining order while hearing a petition filed by Mr Ayub challenging the ECP notice.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that his client had received a notice from the ECP, requiring a response regarding his asset declaration within 120 days.
“We have already submitted a reply to the commission within the stipulated timeframe,” the counsel argued, adding that any further action by the ECP would be unwarranted.
He contended that as per the election laws, notices are only served if a candidate or public office-holder fails to respond in time, which in this case, he said, did not apply.
The Additional Attorney General (AAG), appearing on behalf of the state, apprised the court that a similar case involving Mr Ayub is already under trial in a court in Abbottabad.
On this, the PHC bench asked whether the matter should be transferred to Abbottabad or brought to Peshawar for consolidated hearing.
The court subsequently adjourned the hearing, while maintaining its interim relief restraining the ECP from taking any further steps against Mr Ayub until the matter is decided.
The case pertains to asset declaration requirements under electoral laws that mandate all public representatives to submit statements of their assets and liabilities annually to the ECP.
