The Lahore High Court on Friday ordered the provincial government to halt work on development schemes in 20 constituencies of Punjab after issuance of by-election schedule.

Justice Shujaat Ali Khan of the Lahore High Court issued the order on the petition of Hamid Nawaz challenging the move to carry out development work after the by-election schedule.

The court summoned the Punjab Chief Secretary, District Election Commissioner and DC Faisalabad along with a comprehensive report on June 17.

Read more: LHC suspends order for registration of case against Sanaullah, police officials

The court directed the Chief Secretary Punjab to state in which constituencies development schemes were approved after the release of the by-election schedule. The petition pointed out that the government was carrying out development work after the release of the by-election schedule, which was tantamount to pre-poll rigging.

He requested the court to stop Punjab government from intervening in election process and direct election commission of Pakistan to ensure holding of free and fair by-election.