LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday admitted for regular hearing a petition seeking removal of Imran Khan as PTI chairman following his disqualification in Toshakhana case.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi issued notices to the federation, Ministry of Law, the ECP, PTI and Mr Khan.

The judge has sought replies from the respondents on two questions — whether Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution stipulates temporary disqualification from being a member of parliament and office-bearer of a political party and whether the petitioner is obliged to approach the ECP for removal of the respondent (Imran Khan) as the head of the PTI in the first instance as the said forum has such jurisdiction under the Political Parties Order 2002.

“Let a notice be issued to respondents with a direction to file a report and parawise comments so as to reach this court by the next date of hearing,” said a written order issued by the judge.

Justice Sethi also issued notices to attorney general of Pakistan and Punjab advocate general. The judge will resume hearing on Nov 11.

Petitioner Mohammad Afaq submitted before the court that ECP had disqualified Mr Khan and de-seated him from NA-95, Mianwali, over corrupt practices. He said as per the provisions of the Repr­esentation of People Act 1976 and the Political Parties Order 2002, the office-bearers of a political party must meet the standards provided in the Articles 62 and 63.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2022