The Islamabad High Court on Monday heard a petition seeking to establish a legislative assembly in the federal capital on the pattern of other such assemblies in all the provinces of the country. The high court issued notices to the Federation and attorney general of Pakistan seeking their replies by March 27. The petition filed on behalf of SM Yawar Gardezi was heard by Islamabad High Court Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani. The lawyer of the petitioner requested the court to direct the federal government to do the necessary legislation required to establish a legislative assembly in Islamabad. Justice Kiyani inquired whether the court could pass an order directing the government to do the legislation or amend the constitution.

The lawyer argued that he was talking about the basic rights of Islamabad residents. He gave examples of the capitals of Australia and India where such assemblies exist. The judge inquired if it was a separate system other than the local government setup. The lawyer replied in affirmative. He requested the judge to direct the federal government in this regard and then it would be the Federation’s prerogative how it would accomplish it. He argued that Islamabad is only area in the entire country which does not have its own assembly and federal capital does not come under the jurisdiction of any provincial assembly. The court after issuing notices to federal government and attorney general put off the hearing till March 27.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP