The electoral authority suspended the scheduled by-election until the next hearing, which is set for May 6.

The election had originally been scheduled for April 23, but has now been put on hold following ongoing legal proceedings before the commission.

During Tuesday’s hearing in Islamabad, counsel for petitioner Jalal Khan appeared before the Election Commission and argued that Murad Saeed had not taken his oath of office.

The lawyer contended that if a member had not taken the oath, the seat could not be considered vacant in the legal sense and urged the commission to halt the by-election process.

Following arguments from both sides, the Election Commission adjourned the case until May 6 and issued notices to the relevant parties.