ISLAMABAD: Criticising the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in failing to expedite process of holding Local Government (LG) elections across Pakistan, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry Monday said, “It appears as if the ECP is creating hurdles in holding the local bodies polls.”

A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by the chief justice, was hearing a case pertaining to holding of local government elections in the country.

Representing the Election Commission, DG Election Sher Afgan said notifications regarding new delimitation had not been received from provinces therefore the ECP was unable to hold elections in time.

Upon which the chief justice said the ECP should hold the elections under prevailing systems in provinces which have failed to submit due notifications. However, the DG election argued that provinces have legislated new laws with old delimitations therefore notifications for new delimitations were mandatory.

Chief Justice Chaudhry responded saying the Election Commission was creating hurdle in holding the polls. “It seems if the Election Commission is creating hurdles in holding the local bodies elections,” he said.

“Local government elections are a constitutional obligation which will help reduce problems of the people if implemented upon,” he added.

Representing the federal government, Additional Attorney General Shah Khawar informed the court that a draft of the act, regarding holding LG polls in urban areas of the federal capital, had been finalised which will be implemented after getting the cabinet’s approval.

Meanwhile, the advocate general Sindh apprised the court that the province was ready to hold the LG polls on November 27 and all obstacles had been removed in that regard. He said the ECP had also been informed about that.

Additional Advocate General Punjab Muhammad Hanif Khatana also informed the court about the province’s willingness to hold the polls on time saying the process of delimitation of constituencies was ongoing and will be concluded by November 4.

He said after due legislation electoral rolls have also been finalised, adding the province was ready to hold the local bodies polls in the last week of November.

Citing Eid holidays and death of provincial law minister, the advocate general Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prayed the court for more time in issuing delimitation notification. The chief justice directed him to get instructions over approval of local government act in the province also.

While demanding of the Sindh and Punjab governments for producing subsequent notifications regarding delimitation of the constituencies, the apex court adjourned the hearing till October 23.