LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday issued notice for June 26 to PML-N MPA Shumaila Rana on petitions challenging her election as member of the Punjab Assembly.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial issued notice on two identical petitions filed by Adeeba Ashraf and Aysha Ahsan. Earlier, the petitioners' counsels arguing before the court submitted that Shumaila Rana was elected as a member provincial assembly in 2008 on seat reserved for women but later, she resigned from her seat due to involvement in a criminal case.

He said the provincial election commission and deputy secretary election on April 24, 2012 issuing a notification declared her a returned candidate despite the fact that she resigned from her seat.

He contended that no election had been held for reserved seats, therefore, the notification was illegal and unlawful. He pleaded the court to set aside notification declaring Shumaila Rana as a returned candidate.

Meanwhile, Justice Umar Ata Bandial also dismissed a petition filed by Shumaila Rana for restoration of her seat in Punjab Assembly, after being withdrawn.

Shumaila Rana said PML-N leaders had pressurised her to resign which was accepted by the Speaker Punjab Assembly against rules and regulations.