Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: A petition in Islamabad High Court (IHC) has been submitted seeking to create a legislative assembly in the Federal Capital to address its political and administrative affairs.
The petition, being filed by Barrister Yawar Abbas argues that the current law, being inconsistent with the basic structure and the mandate of the constitution, is contrary to the fundamental and basic rights of the citizens of the capital.
The petition further maintained that laws with regard to Islamabad are made by the National Assembly, in which the capital has less than 1 percent representation. Any law made for the capital is subject to being voted by MNAs from all over the country.
It further states that the equality of citizens is a fundamental right enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan. This right is derived from the basic principles of Islam.
Legislative Assembly in Islamabad
In addition, the administrative control of the capital Islamabad is vested in the Chief Commissioner’s office. The office enjoys the powers of a provincial government.
The said appointment, as per the petition, is not only unconstitutional as it lacks the consent of the Capital’s citizens but also a portrayal of the then British Raj. A legislative assembly in the capital Islamabad would enable the citizens to hold accountable their policymakers and administrators.
Moreover, the petition cites examples of the legislative assemblies of Indian and Australian Capital Territories and prays for a direction to the legislature to have an amendment in the law to create a legislative assembly for the capital Islamabad.
The petition is fixed for hearing in IHC on 16 November.
