The Supreme Court of Pakistan took action on Friday, suspending the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order that had previously halted the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification regarding the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and district returning officers (DROs) for the upcoming general election in 2024.
The decision came after a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, heard the ECP’s appeal against the LHC order, issued on Thursday in response to a petition filed by Umair Niazi, a worker of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Isa, underscored the critical importance of conducting the elections as scheduled on February 8, 2024. Firmly stating that democracy must not be undermined or derailed.
It expressed concerns about allowing the Lahore High Court’s decision. To take effect might hinder the timely execution of the elections.
The court clarified that if the Lahore High Court’s jurisdiction was maintained, it could jeopardize the scheduled February 8 elections.
Consequently, the Supreme Court restrained the Lahore High Court from taking action on the petition related to ROs and DROs. Directed the Election Commission to continue its constitutional responsibilities.
In a decisive decree, the Supreme Court mandated the Election Commission to release the election schedule within three hours on the same day.
The court observed that the Lahore High Court’s decision had halted over a thousand DROs and ROs from performing their duties. Emphasizing that these officers were mandated to provide services nationwide, as highlighted in the ECP notification.
The Supreme Court noted that Umair Niazi, a former assistant advocate general of Punjab. Attempted to obstruct the democratic process by challenging the ECP’s decision.
It expressed concern that such actions were aimed at creating confusion and delaying the electoral process.
The court also highlighted that Niazi, being a barrister, should have been aware of and respected the orders of the Supreme Court.
Considering Niazi’s actions as potentially contemptuous. The Supreme Court initiated contempt proceedings against him, issuing a notice in this regard.
Additionally, the court directed the ECP to start the training program for the ROs and DROs promptly.
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan had moved the Supreme Court against the Lahore High Court’s verdict. Which had rejected the ECP’s notification to hire bureaucrats as ROs and DROs for conducting the general elections.
The ECP’s lawyer argued that the Lahore High Court’s order violated the Constitution and the law. It would disrupt the preparations for the scheduled elections on February 8, 2024.
The bench suspended the LHC order and instructed the ECP to resume the training of DROs and ROs. Which had been suspended following the Lahore High Court’s decision.
