The Islamabad High Court on Monday issued notices to attorney general and secretary of President Arif Alvi to appear before court for the next hearing of a case against amendments in Election Act 2017, which had been promulgated by an ordinance.

IHC judge Justice Amir Farooq conducted a hearing on the petition submitted to the court by former union council chairperson Sardar Mahtab. Advocate Adil Qazi represented the complainant in the case.

Justice Farooq directed Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan to assist the court during the next hearing scheduled for March 15.

When the high court judge asked about the amendments in the act, Advocate Qazi said the amendment, is based on "mala fide" intent by the government and enabled public office holders to take part in election campaigns.

Advocate Qazi further noted that no emergency situation was pending for the amendment in the act through the ordinance, saying it seemed the government prepared the ordinance's draft in advance and it was promulgated as soon as the session of the National Assembly (NA) was postponed.

He maintained that the government could wait for the next session instead of waiting for the postponement of the NA session to prevent legislation and promulgate the ordinance.

On February 20, President Arif Alvi promulgated two ordinances - Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Ordinance, 2022 and Elections (Amendment) Ordinance 2022.

“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary under this act, rule or code of conduct or any other law, a member of Parliament (Majlis-o-Shoora), provincial assembly or elected member of local government, including member holding any other office under the constitution or any other law – may visit or address public meetings in any area or constituency during election campaign,” reads the Elections (Amendment) Ordinance 2022.