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SC rejects 'unsatisfactory' schedule for LG polls

SC rejects 'unsatisfactory' schedule for LG polls
March 4, 2015
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday rejected local government elections’ schedule presented by Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) and directed him to present a new schedule on Thursday. The court found the schedule for polls 'unsatisfactory.' AGP Salman Aslam Butt apprised the Supreme Court that local government elections in the cantonment areas will be held on May 16. A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja, was hearing the case regarding local bodies elections across the country. The schedule was presented before 8pm deadline set by the court for presenting the schedule for LG polls, while hearing the case earlier in the morning. According to the schedule presented to the bench, local government elections were scheduled to be held in three phases in Punjab and Sindh. While LG polls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were to be held on June 7. The first stage for LG polls in Punjab and Sindh was scheduled from January 16, 2016, second phase from February 20, 2016 and third phase from March 26, 2016. AGP apprised the bench that the prevailing electoral lists were based on the 2013 general elections and at least 45 days would be required to prepare fresh lists. However, Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja in his remarks said that one prime minister goes home or ten; rights of the people will not be curtailed. The hearing was adjourned till May 5.