ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again comes hard on judiciary after Supreme Court’s verdict in Punjab polls. He said that he had never seen such mockery of Constitution. It comes day after three-member bench of Supreme Court, comprising CJP Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar had ordered ECP to hold elections in Punjab on May 14.

Addressing meeting of parliamentary parties of coalition partners also attended by PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif via video link, he said that court had ignored verdict of majority. “Government had tabled resolution in Parliament against decision and will move another today,” he added. PM went on to say that government would release funds for elections today as per court’s orders. “ECP has to present report to Supreme Court on April 11 and Punjab caretaker government has to make security arrangements till April 17,” he added. Shehbaz Sharif reckoned fate of people was about to be written adding that government would take decision after thorough consultation.

Government decided to bring another resolution in National Assembly against Supreme Court (SC) verdict in polls delay case, nullifying Election Commission of Pakistan decision to postpone Punjab elections. Addressing meeting of leaders of all coalition parties Shehbaz Sharif said that with recent decisions of Supreme Court (SC), mockery was being made with Constitution and laws of country. He referred to decision of three-judge bench of Supreme Court over holding of elections in two provinces. PM said that he wanted to say that such kind of treatment with Constitution and law had never been witnessed before and such terrible scene has never met eyes. Three-member bench rejected appeal for constitution of full bench and similarly, political parties pleas were also rejected, he added. A circular was issued over Justice Isa directive, followed by formation of six-member bench that took up issue and decided it, he added.

The prime minister said that members of the National Assembly had debated the issue in the ongoing session and a resolution had already been passed while tomorrow, another resolution would be tabled in the house.

He also highlighted the directive of the apex court bench with regard to conducting elections in Punjab province for which May 14 was the date given by the apex court and the observation over the election in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The prime minister said the purpose behind this meeting was to mull over the situation and evolve a solid response.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 06 2023

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