Top Pakistan court hears arguments in major political crisis

By KATHY GANNON
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan’s top court has begun hearing arguments on whether Prime Minister Imran Khan and his allies had the legal right to dissolve parliament and set the stage for early elections. The opposition is challenging the latest moves by Khan, contending they are a ploy to stay in power. The Supreme Court started hearing arguments from Khan’s legal team and the opposition on Monday, but then adjourned the session until noon on Tuesday. There was no immediate explanation for the adjournment. On Sunday, Khan’s ally and Pakistan’s deputy parliament speaker dissolved the assembly to sidestep a no-confidence vote that Khan appeared certain to lose. The opposition claims this was against the constitution.