ISLAMABAD: Three-member Supreme Court (SC) bench hearing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s petition challenging delay in Punjab polls nullified Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision, declaring it “Unconstitutional”.

Apex court announced that general elections of Punjab Assembly would be held on May 14. Bench was headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprised Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

Court declared that ECP’s orders postponing provincial assembly elections until October 8 was “Illegal” and “Unconstitutional”. “Law does not permit ECP to extend election date,” declared court.

Government has been directed by court to release funds of Rs 21 billion for polls by April 10. Judgment also stated that court would issue appropriate orders should government fail to comply.

Earlier in day, Ministry of Defence, as per apex court’s directives, had submitted its report through Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan detailing availability of security personnel for election duties. After analysing report, SC announced its verdict and reinstated previous schedule with amendments.

Apex court ordered returning officers to accept nomination papers until April 10 and publish candidates’ list by April 19. Ruling further held that free and fair elections must be ensured on new poll date.

The hearings in the case, which lasted over a week, witnessed high drama after two judges of the original five-member bench Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Aminuddin Khan recused themselves from hearing the case. Thereafter, the chief justice constituted a bench comprising himself, Justice Ahsan and Justice Akhtar to proceed with the PTI petition.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 05 2023

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