OF late, there has been an uptick in the hearing of constitutional cases concerning the ordinance-making power of the president. Every now and then, ordinances enacted by the president are being challenged in Pakistan’s constitutional courts.
Two cases are worth mentioning. The federal government, through a notification dated March 26, 2021, announced the ‘removal’ of the chairperson of the Higher Education Commission Dr Tariq Banuri. This notification was challenged in the Sindh High Court, which stayed the appointment of a new chairperson. As Dr Banuri was removed pursuant to the Higher Education (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, which reduced the tenure of the chairperson from four to two years, the government argued there were no ulterior motives behind his ‘removal’; rather, he ‘ceased to hold office’ by the operation of law. Similarly, MNA Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha challenged the legality of eight ordinances promulgated by the president in a single day (Oct 30, 2019) in
ISLAMABAD: On a plea challenging the presidential ordinance that allows voting rights overseas Pakistanis and use of electronic voting machines, the Islamabad High Court on Friday sought response.
IHC seeks replies on petition against presidential ordinance
Issues notices to Federation, secretaries ECP, law and justice
ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Federation, Election Commission secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice secretary as well as other parties seeking replies on a petition filed against the presidential ordinance on making electronic voting machines mandatory in the elections and enabling overseas Pakistanis to cast their votes.
Last month, President Arif Alvi promulgated the Elections (Second Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, under Article 89 of the Constitution only two days after National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser constituted a committee of cabinet members to engage the opposition on the issue of electoral reforms.
ISLAMABAD: On a plea challenging the presidential ordinance that allows voting rights overseas Pakistanis and use of electronic voting machines, the Islamabad High Court on Friday sought response.
ISLAMABAD: On a plea challenging the presidential ordinance that allows voting rights overseas Pakistanis and use of electronic voting machines, the Islamabad High Court on Friday sought response.