LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Thursday stopped Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Ashraf Wathra from working beyond April 5.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the orders on a petition filed by Munir Ahmad Advocate seeking directions for fair elections and implementation of Article 62 and 63.
As proceedings started, petitioner's counsel Muhammad Azhar Siddique submitted that the former federal and provincial governments made many appointments despite ban by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The court observed that these steps were equivalent to pre-poll rigging and asked SBP's counsel to explain how the appointment of deputy governor was made despite ECP's ban.
However, SBP's counsel submitted that the appointment was made by the government. The court could seek parawise comments on the matter, he added.
The court asked the SBP's counsel to file parawise comments besides observing that it would pass orders to stop the deputy governor from work till tomorrow.
But, the SBP's counsel requested the court to avoid from mentioning the directions in order sheet as the media would flash the news. He assured the court that the deputy governor would not work till tomorrow.
After assurance, the court observed that the SBP's counsel requested not to mention it in order, so it order accordingly.
The petitioner's counsel Muhammad Azhar Siddique said that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had not issued details of income tax returns/defaulters and in these circumstances, how objections could be made on nomination papers.
The court observed that all these details should be available at ECP's website.
The court asked EC's counsel how the commission was conducting elections. Whether returning officers had a suitable record for scrutiny of nomination papers, the court said and added that if a candidate did not provide details of NTN and tax returns then how his assets would be verified.
Petitioner's counsel Noshab A Khan said that there were many other institutions and the court could sought record of defaulters.
The court observed that apparently it looked that the ECP did not seek help from other institutions including FBR.
The EC's counsel pointed out that scrutiny of 20 percent nomination papers had been completed and court interference could delay elections.
The court observed that the defaulters should not go to assemblies even if scrutiny takes more time.
The court adjourning the matter till April 5 summoned a senior officer of ECP.
Petitioner Munir Ahmad questioning appointments and postings made by former federal and provincial governments pleaded directions for fair elections and implementation of Articles 62 and 63.
Meanwhile, the court also ordered ECP to submit notifications issued to FBR, National Accountability Bureau, Security & Exchange Commission of Pakistan and others for details of defaulters.
The court passed the orders on a petition filed by Ilyas Majeed Sheikh seeking action against former parliamentarian who were tax and loan defaulters. The court was hearing both matters together.
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