LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Wednesday issued notices to federal and Punjab governments, besides the Election Commission of Pakistan, on a petition of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) challenging Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2015.

Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh heard initial arguments of PAT`s counsel and admitted the petition for regular hearing. The judge fixed Aug 20 for next hearing and directed the respondents to submit their replies.

PAT Punjab president Basharat Aziz Jaspal filed the petition saying sections 2, 4 and 8 of the PLGO wererepugnant to the Article 140-A, 25, and 17 of the Constitution.

The petitioner said the impugned sections encroached upon rights of the public, especially the right to democratic and efficient governance. He said the ordinance showed mala fide on the part of Punjab government to deny the representation to women, workers and youth members through direct election.

He said denial of direct representation to the women, youth, worl
The petitioner asked the court to strike down the impugned sections of the ordinance.