The Supreme Court of Pakistan has recently heard a petition filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party regarding the date of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The hearing was presided over by a five-member larger bench, led by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Atta Bandyal.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice raised a crucial question regarding whether the Election Commission has the authority to change the date of elections announced by the President. PTI's lawyer, Barrister Ali Zafar, argued that the Election Commission had disrespected the order of the Supreme Court three times and that it had changed or suspended the constitution.
Furthermore, the lawyer emphasized that the postponement of elections due to non-cooperation by the administration is not allowed under the constitution. He also highlighted that the Ministry of Interior and Defense had refused to provide security personnel for the elections.
The Chief Justice remarked that the situation is worrisome when all parties have their hands in each other's secrets. He emphasized that the interpretation of the constitution is for creating peace for the people and not for making or overthrowing governments.
At the end of the hearing, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission for postponing the elections. It should be noted that the PTI party had filed a petition against the Election Commission's decision to extend the date of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa two days ago.
The Court asked the PTI government to remain calm for transparent elections. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop, and what the outcome of the notice issued by the Supreme Court will be.
