ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday extended its restraining order against the newly-formed election tribunal from proceeding on the election petitions filed by PTI candidates from all the three constituencies of Islamabad.

The court was hearing petitions against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)`s decision to replace the tribunal judge for the three constituencies. The ECP replaced IHC Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri who was presiding over the tribunal with retired Justice Abdul Shakoor Paracha.

During the hearing of the petitions by Chief Justice Aamir Farooq, advocates Faisal Chaudhry and Shoaib Shaheen appeared before the court. The court questioned the ECP`s authority to change the judge of the election tribunal. `How can the election commission change the judge of the tribunal?` In reply, the ECP requested for additional time to provide a comprehensive explanation. Granting the request, the court extended its stay order, suspending any proceedings by the new tribunal until February 6.

Chief Justice Farooq also noted that hearings on two related petitions had been scheduled for the day with the third set for Wednesday. The court decided to consolidate these cases and will hear the three matters together on February 6. Staff Reporter