Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shehbaz has termed the interpretation of Article 63-A by the Supreme Court of Pakistan not applicable to his election as Punjab chief minister.

Article 63-A relates to disqualification of MPAs on the grounds of defection.

In his written response to the Lahore High Court over petitions challenging his election, Hamza stated that the election for Punjab CM’s slot was conducted as per the high court’s orders, the law and the Constitution. The 16-page response, submitted through his lawyer Khalid Ishaq, argued that the since Supreme Court’s judgement came after the polls, it did not impact his position.

The Supreme Court had opined that the vote of any MPA that goes against their party’s policy must be disregarded.

Votes of 25 dissident Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPAs were counted in the final tally for Hamza. These MPAs have since been de-seated by the Election Commission of Pakistan.

In his written reponse, Hamza called for the dismissal of the petition along with fining the petitioner. The petition, filed by PTI, stated that the session held for conducting the election witnessed “immense chaos and most unfortunate events”.

It pointed out that Deputy Speaker Mazari took “unlawful” aid from the police and provincial officials for holding a “sham and fraudulent” election.

Hamza was elected chief minister amid boycott by PML-Q and PTI lawmakers in a controversial session of the Punjab Assembly marred by violence and delays.

Once the session got underway, PTI and PML-Q lawmakers staged a walkout.

Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari, who announced the results following a tumultuous session, was attacked by government MPAs. The PTI-backed candidate Pervez Elahi was injured in an altercation with opposition lawmakers.