In a significant development, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold consultation with President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi on final date for the upcoming general elections in the country.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa remarked that the announced date would be binding on all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The court adjourned the case until tomorrow.
During the today’s proceedings, the ECP informed the Supreme Court that the general elections are scheduled to take place on February 11, 2024. This assurance came in response to a case addressing concerns about the delay in holding elections within the stipulated 90-day period. The case was filed by various parties, including the Supreme Court Bar Association, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and others, challenging the decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) that led to the postponement of elections.
Barrister Ali Zafar, representing the PTI, argued passionately for the adherence to the 90-day timeline, emphasizing the importance of upholding basic human rights. Chief Justice Isa acknowledged the significance of conducting elections and questioned whether anyone opposed the idea, receiving a unanimous “no” from the attorney general.
The court delved into the constitutional aspects, with Barrister Zafar highlighting the procedure outlined in the constitution for announcing the date of general elections. The discussion also touched upon the role of the president in this process, and the court sought clarification on the rejection of a date proposed by the president.
The Supreme Court had previously sought responses from the federal government and the ECP regarding the delay in elections during a hearing on October 23. The apex court’s intervention comes in response to a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association, urging the ECP to adhere to the constitutional provisions for announcing the election date.
The court’s active involvement underscores the importance of timely elections in Pakistan, emphasizing the democratic principles integral to the nation’s governance.
