LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday issued notices to the federal government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on a writ petition seeking cancellation of 325 political parties’ registration.

Advocate Safdar Gill contended in his petition that all the political parties were bound to submit details of their assets and tax with the ECP under Political Parties Act of 1962.

He said only eight out of a total of 333 major and small political parties filed their income tax returns. The petitioner said that no political party declared income resources and assets for year 2016.

The petitioner said the ECP remained oblivious to the issue and took no action against the parties.

He asked the court to order the ECP to cancel the registration of 325 political parties for violating Section 13 of the Political Parties Act.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah sought replies from the government and the ECP by May 2.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2017