SC gives 8pm deadline to ECP for LG polls schedule

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - The Supreme Court of Pakistan directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to issue schedules for local bodies elections in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad Capital Territory and cantonment areas by 8:00pm tonight. A three-member bench headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja was hearing a contempt of court petition pertaining to local government elections in the cantonment areas. The court warned if the schedule is not submitted by 8:00pm than the court will hear the case tonight. However, the bench also said if the schedule is submitted by the due time and court is satisfied with it, than the hearing of the case will be on Thursday (tomorrow). The attorney general requested the court for 48 hours for issuance of the local government elections ordinance; however, the court declined the request. Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja in his remarks said the court will not be pleased to issue a contempt of court notice to the Prime Minister but more delays will not be accepted.