Peshawar: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday adjourned until October 7 the hearing of a petition filed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Muhammad Sohail Afridi against a notice issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) over his remarks concerning government officials during the Haripur by-election campaign.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Arshad Ali and Justice Muhammad Faheem Wali heard the petition.
During the proceedings, the CM’s counsel requested an adjournment, saying that the power of attorney had been submitted on Thursday and he needed time to prepare the case.
The ECP’s counsel opposed the request, saying the hearing had already been adjourned six times at the petitioner’s request.
He added that the matter had also been heard on merits before the Election Commission.
The ECP counsel further argued that the petition filed by the chief minister was no longer maintainable.
The bench warned that no further request for adjournment would be entertained at the next hearing. Justice Arshad Ali observed that the case would not be adjourned after Thursday.
The judge further said that if no one appeared before the court at the next hearing, it would decide the matter in accordance with the law.
After the brief proceedings, the court adjourned the hearing until October 7.