• PML-N’s Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar challenged the election result
• He said the printing of serial numbers on ballot papers was illegal
• PTI’s Sibtain Khan had won the election of Speaker Punjab Assembly

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday heard a petition filed by the PML-N seeking the re-election of the Speaker Punjab Assembly.

A bench comprising of Justice Amjad Rafiq and Justice Ali Zia Bajwa heard the application of PML-N leader Malik Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar who challenged the speaker’s election which was won by PTI candidate Sibtain Khan.

Advocate Mansoor Usman Awan appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner. He maintained that legal requirements were not fulfilled in the speaker’s election which was held in an unconstitutional and illegal manner.

He said the speaker’s election is conducted through a secret ballot. He argued that entering the serial number on the ballot papers is a violation of the Constitution and the law. He said under Article 226, all elections except for Prime Minister and Chief Minister are conducted through secret ballot papers.

He said apart from the Lahore High Court, there is no forum to appeal the election result. He maintained that Election Commission can only hear petitions on vacant seats in Parliament.

The petitioner urged the court to declare the election of Speaker Punjab Assembly as null and void. He requested that an order be given to re-elect the Speaker.

The Lahore High Court sought replies from the Speaker and other respondents and adjourned hearing till September 8.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sibtain Khan won 185 votes from the lawmakers from the PTI, the PML-Q and other allies whereas his rival PML-N’s Saif-ul-Malook Khokhar obtained 175 votes in the election held  on July 29.

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