Hearing of plea against Bahawalpur Junoobi Punjab province adjourned

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of petitions against proposed Bahawalpur Junoobi Punjab province till March 7.

Justice Muhammad Khalid Mehmood Khan was hearing the petitions filed by Advocate Munsif Awan and others.

Earlier, Additional Attorney General Abdul Hai Gillani submitted a letter by deputy secretary of National Assembly wherein it was stated that the president's message regarding creation of new provinces in Punjab was read out to NA on July 11.

The Minister for Religious Affairs moved a motion in the House for the constitution of commission which was not opposed. Therefore, the Speaker was authorised to constitute the commission with consensus. The proceedings of NA were an internal matter and protected, he maintained in the letter.

However, the petitioner's counsel said the proceedings of the assembly could be kept secret but the resolution was not part of it.

He said that no resolution was tabled and added that "If there was any resolution then it could be placed before the court".

The court observed that the proceedings of the National Assembly were protected but the resolution should be disclosed.

The petitioner's counsel contended that the President did not have any role in amendment of constitution and the President exceeded his powers by sending the message to the parliament."

However, the AAG said that the President acted on the advice of Prime Minister.

The court adjourned the further hearing of the matter till March 7 due to shortage of time and directed parties to conclude their arguments on next date of hearing.