The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to promptly issue the election schedule, effectively overturning the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order that had cast doubt on the February 8 polls.
The suspension of the LHC’s order ensures the timely conduct of elections, addressing a significant concern raised by political stakeholders and the electoral body.
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Isa, leading the three-member SC bench alongside Justice Tariq Masood and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, emphasized the need for unhindered electoral proceedings.
CJP Isa stated, “The election commission should do its job…. we will not micromanage you,” asserting that obstacles to the election process should be removed.
The SC ruling declared that the LHC would not entertain further hearings on petitions related to the appointment of polling officers, with all matters on this issue to be referred to the Supreme Court.
This decision sidelines the LHC’s initial ruling, which suspended the ECP’s appointment of Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DROs) from the executive branch.
The LHC’s decision, prompted by a plea from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Umair Niazi, had referred the matter to the Chief Justice of the LHC, advocating the formation of a larger bench for further consideration. However, following the Supreme Court’s order, the issue will no longer be pursued in the high court, rendering the petitions “non-maintainable.”
CJP Isa, while reading out the order, also issued a contempt of court notice to the PTI lawyer, seeking an explanation for potential proceedings against him.
During the hearing, the ECP’s lawyer, Sajeel Swati, informed the court that the LHC’s order had suspended the commission’s notification, causing a halt in the election process.
The Chief Justice expressed disappointment over the LHC’s order and the judiciary’s refusal to provide staff, highlighting that the PTI, whose plea in the SC led to the February 8 polls order, now presented a petition causing a conundrum.
