ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped Monday the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from holding by-election in National Assembly constituency NA-95, Mianwali.

IHC, while hearing Imran Khan’s petition against disqualification by the election commission in Toshakhana reference, removed objections of the registrar on the plea.

During the hearing, PTI chairman’s counsel urged the court to suspend ECP’s decision disqualifying Imran Khan.

However, Justice Farooq turned down the request and issued orders to stop the by-election in Mianwali. The court also issued notices to the ECP against Imran Khan’s disqualification.

Earlier in the month, ECP disqualified the former premier in the Toshakhana reference, stating that the PTI chief had committed corrupt practices by making “false statements and submitting incorrect declaration”.

A four-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja announced the unanimous decision.

The decision stated that Imran Khan was no longer a member of the National Assembly and declared Imran Khan’s National Assembly seat vacant.