The Lahore High Court has sent a notice to the Election Commission of Pakistan asking it to submit a reply by April 29 in the PTI petition challenging its decision to defer the party dissidents’ case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The PTI has challenged the Election Commission’s action of sitting on the defection case of 25 PTI members of Punjab Assembly who voted against the party directions during provincial assembly’s April 16 session which was called to elect new chief minister. 

The petition was filed by PTI leader Sabteen Khan. 

Lahore High Court Justice Shujaat Ali Khan heard the case on Wednesday and directed the ECP to submit its reply in this regard by April 26.

Amir Saeed Raan appeared before the court on behalf of petitioner. 

It was stated in the petition that the PTI had sent a reference to the ECP asking it to de-seat its 25 dissident members of the Punjab Assembly. But the commission is sitting on its reference and has not taken any action/decision on it so far, it added.

The petition prayed to the court to direct the commission to take decision on its reference as soon as possible. 

Imran to hold meeting at Punjab CM House to devise strategy 

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan has summoned a meeting of the party leaders at Punjab CM House, Lahore later today to deliberate on the strategy of matter of Chief Minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz’s swearing-in.

Punjab Governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema would brief the meeting participants regarding his consultation with the constitutional experts.

Former chief minister Usman Buzdar would also participate in the meeting.  

Imran Khan would also hold meetings with assembly members and PTI leaders. He would seek their advice and suggestions in order to formulate a strategy regarding his Islamabad march call. 

At Punjab CM House, the former premier would also hold a meeting with the activists of different lawyer forums.

Reporter Malik Ashraf