Islamabad High Court: Larger Bench to be Formed on Petition Against Election Reforms Act

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has granted an interim request to form a larger bench on a petition challenging the Election Reforms Act. Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court Justice Aamer Farooq took up the petition filed by PTI leader Ali Bukhari, which seeks amendments to the Election Reforms Act. The court issued a notice to the Attorney General and sought a response within 10 days from the Ministry of Law and the Election Commission on the matter.
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, amendments to the Election Act include the provision to appoint retired judges as tribunal judges. Consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court on such appointments has been terminated. Such consultations typically involve the Chief Justice, and the opposing party may object to the court’s decision.
During the hearing, advocate Shoaib Shahin requested the case to be heard by a larger or division bench, to which Chief Justice Aamer Farooq remarked to await the response from the opposing party before deciding, stating that a larger bench will be constituted if necessary. Subsequently, the court directed the case to be scheduled for another hearing in 10 days.