Delay In Polls: ECP Decision Obstructing Court Orders, Observes Justice Akhtar | Developing

Описание: A five-member larger bench — headed by CJP Umar Ata Bandial — heard the case.

On March 22, ECP had delayed elections for more than five months citing the deteriorating security situation in the country and the unavailability of security personnel.

During the hearing today, the court issued notices to the Federation of Pakistan, ECP and the governments of Punjab and KP.

Islamabad: SC judge Munib Akhtar said Election Commission of Pakistan’s decisions had become an “obstruction” in the way of the apex court’s orders

PTI lawyer Barrister Ali Zafar argued that ECP “does not have the authority to give a new date for the polls”. He told SC the petitioner wanted the top court to ensure the implementation of the constitution and its own orders. CJP Bandial asked if the ECP could set aside the poll date given by the President and noted that there was no past order from the SC regarding the matter.

“We have several examples in our history where the date for elections has been extended,” observed CJP Bandial. He recalled that elections were also delayed after the death of Benazir Bhutto and the decision was accepted on a national level. The top judge also observed that elections were also delayed in 1988 when the system of government changed.

CJP Bandial further maintained that ECP had the right to change the election schedule but at the same time asked if elections can be postponed for such a long time. CJP said implementation of court orders was one aspect of the matter and reiterated that a delay in the polls also concerned the violation of fundamental rights.

CJP said the present political situation in the country was “very alarming”, noting that elections could only be held once the situation improved.

CJP noted that ECP is just an institution and its needs facilitation and support for elections.




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