LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday observed that holding local government elections in the province is a constitutional requirement and a need of the hour.

The observation was made by Justice Farooq Haider, who was hearing a petition filed by Jamat-i-Islami (JI) Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari, challenging the government`s failure in conducting local body elections.

At the outset of the hearing, the judge asked about the advocate general`s absence.

A law officer told the court that the AGP was currently abroad.

Thejudge asked the counselforthe Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) what action could be taken against those responsible for not holding local government elections.

`Isn`t the failure to hold local elections a violation of the Constitution?` the judge questioned the ECP lawyer, who replied that holding elections without delimitation was not possible.

However, the judge expressed dissatisfaction with the reply and directed the advocate general of Punjab to assist the court on the matter at the next hearing.

The judge observed that all should pray for the integrity of the country.

The judge would resume the hearing on Aug 6.

The petitioner argued that the inordinate delay in the local government elections had been affecting development and the accountability process in the province.

He expressed regret that the provincial government failed to fulfill its constitutional obligation by not holding local polls.

The JI leader asked the court to order the respondents to take immediate steps for conducting local government elections in Punjab and to penalise the authorities responsible for failing to meet their constitutional obligations. Staff Reporter