ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan, while hearing presidential reference regarding holding Senate elections by open ballot, issued notices to Advocates General of all four provinces of the country.

Five member bench chaired by CJP Gulzar Ahmed, while issuing notices of Speakers of National and all provincial assemblies, Chairman Senate and Election Commission of Pakistan, said that any political party interested in being a part of the case can also file petitions.

The court said that it will review answers of all advocates generals and Election Commission and adjourned hearing till January 11.

It is pertinent to mention here that Dr. Arif Alvi approved Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recommendation and sent a reference to the apex court under Article 186 to conduct the Senate polls by open ballot.

The top court’s guidance has been sought in the presidential reference in order to amend Section 122 (6) of the Election Act, 2017 without amending the constitution.

The federal cabinet had on December 15 approved to seek guidance of the SC over the matter. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) wants to hold the elections by open ballot to stop horse trading. NNI