In a noteworthy development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has set a hearing date for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plea, aiming for fair treatment in the upcoming general elections. The issue arose during the cipher case against former Prime Minister Imran Khan. PTI’s counsel, Niazullah Niazi, brought attention to obstacles faced by PTI candidates in filing nomination papers.
During the hearing led by interim Chief Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, Justice Masood questioned the eligibility of candidates with legal issues, stating, “If your candidate is an absconder, how can he file the nomination paper?” Niazi pointed to torn nomination papers and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s delay in deciding on election symbols.
Consequently, a three-member bench, including acting Chief Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, was appointed to oversee the case.
In the petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution, PTI argues that district authorities and federal and provincial governments are treating the party unfairly compared to other political entities. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali submitted the petition, naming the federation of Pakistan, Ministry of Interior, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), and chief secretaries of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Sindh, and Balochistan as respondents.
The PTI calls on the apex court to instruct respondents to ensure a level playing field for fair elections, emphasizing justice. The party seeks protection against harassment of its members and leaders, demanding equal participation in the electoral process.
