ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi wrote letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasising that he should direct all executive authorities concerned with federal and provincial governments to assist Election Commission of Pakistan in holding general elections in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa within constitutional timeframe. Through letter, President has conveyed to premier that holding general elections in two provinces was necessary to comply with an order of Supreme Court issued on March 1, saying order should be abided by to avoid further complications, including contempt of court proceedings.

Without mincing any words, Dr Alvi underlined that in his opinion “Flagrant violation of Constitution had been committed by executive authorities and government departments”. He added that ECP had not implemented his announcement of holding general elections in Punjab on April 30, 2023 and also “Blatantly violated Supreme Court’s order dated March 1, 2023.” Also, President Alvi alleged “It appeared that federal and caretaker governments in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa advised heads of concerned departments to indicate their inability to provide necessary support for holding general elections.”

He referred to Article 220 of Constitution which states “It shall be duty of all executive authorities in federation and in provinces to assist commissioner and Election Commission in discharge of his or their functions”. President Alvi accused PM Shehbaz of holding “No meaningful consultation with President on policy issues”, saying it is responsibility of prime minister to furnish information relating to administration of affairs of federation and proposals for legislation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 25 2023

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