i HUMAN RIGHTS

LHC refuses stay over ordinance limiting speaker Punjab Assembly’s powersBreaking

June 21, 2022

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday refused to provide immediate relief to
Speaker Punjab Assembly Parvez Elahi and PTI after it refused to issue a stay against an ordinance from
Governor Baligh Ur Rehman, limiting the powers of the speaker of the assembly.

The court has summoned advocate general Punjab for assistance and issued notices to the Punjab
government and others for June 24.

Justice Sajid Mehmood Sethi during the hearing on a petition filed by Parvez Elahi and Sibtain Khan said
that they would decide on the matter once the government submits its replies.

Former advocate general Punjab Advocate Ahmed Awais said that the assembly session was ongoing
when the governor issued an ordinance on June 14.

“The powers of the speaker have been limited and were given to the secretary law through the
ordinance,” the plea stated. It said that ordinance was against the constitution and rules and procedures
of the assembly.

He pleaded to issue a stay order against the ordinance unless a final decision is being announced. “Since
it is an ordinance, therefore it is important to listen to the other party,” the Lahore High Court judge said
while rejecting the plea.