LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday dismissed the petition of a doctor suspended on charges of showing negligence during work at the Jinnah Hospital that resulted in the death of a female patient on the floor.

As the court took up the petition, an assistant advocate general argued that Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal, the petitioner, was suspended under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006. He said the petitioner could not approach the high court against his suspension before availing other remedies available in the law.

Relying on the government’s arguments, Justice Jawad Hassan dismissed the petition.

Zohra Bibi, 60, of Kasur had died after being denied timely medical treatment due to unavailability of a bed in the hospital.

Notice to ECP: The Lahore High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a petition challenging eligibility of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal’s son who was elected unopposed as Narowal District Council chairman.

Petitioner’s counsel Barrister Adeel told the court that vote of Ahmad Iqbal was shifted to an urban area from rural area after the issuance of the election schedule. He said shifting of vote after the issuance of the schedule was a clear violation of election laws. He asked the court to disqualify the respondent to hold the office of the chairman.

Justice Shahid Waheed adjourned hearing for three weeks and sought a reply from the ECP.

Published in Dawn January 21st, 2017