Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday adjourned the hearing of the petitions seeking elections in Punjab and KP as well as general elections across the country on same day till April 27.
The SC hearing the case seeking holding of general elections across the country on same day, said that the top court will not withdraw its verdict on the election in Punjab on May 14 adding that taking back the judgement is not a joke.
The SC three member bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Atta Bandiyal heard various petitions seeking elections in Punjab and KP and general elections across the country on same day.
Three member bench of SC headed by Chief Justice (CJ) Umar Atta Bandiyal heard the various petitions seeking holding of elections in Punjab and KP and general elections on same across the country.
All the leaders of the country major political parties were in attendance in the hearing of the case in the SC. Which included Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamat-e-Islami (JI),Pakistan Muslim League Q (PML-Q), Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan National Party (BNP).
The petitioner counsel Shah Khawar said that for strengthening the democracy holding of elections on same day across the country is necessary.
On which, the CJ Umar Atta Bandiyal remarked that he is thankful on participation of the political leaders in the courtroom. When the court gives order then complication arises adding that political leaders be solved the matter with understanding.
Another counsel Farooq H Nayik said that political parties already have started work for elections across the country on same day while the negotiations will be held with the PTI as well.
Jamat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Siraj Ul Haq said” neither I am with the PDM nor with Imran Khan, elections are solution to all the problems and there is no way out. I have opinion that judiciary, army and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should keep away from the politics.”
” Elections should be held on appropriate date after Eid Ul Alazha.” JI ameer Siraj Ul Haq added.
The PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique said that we have appeared before the court after consultation with our leadership and this is the matter of 220 million people of the country.
He asserted that the elections should be held countrywide on the same day.
Pakistan Awami Muslim League (PAML) chief Sheikh Rashid said that the verdict of the SC is the decision of the whole nation.
The PMLQ leader Tariq Cheema, BNP leader Muhammad Israr Ullah Tareen said that the elections should be held on same day across the country through a political dialogue.
Earlier before the break, the CJ remarked in the petition seeking elections across the country on same day while the honourable CJ requested the political party chiefs sit today instead siting after Eid Ul Fitr.
He said that Eid Ul Adha will fall in July and after it elections can be held in the country. The CJ said that this suggestion is given by Jamat-e-Islami Chief Siraj Ul Haq and no any political party leader didn’t say it wrong.
Umar Atta Bandiyal said that there can be no obstinacy in negotiations adding that bilateral give and take can make the talks successful.
Earlier, yesterday, SC has disposed of the ministry of defence petition seeking elections across the country on the same day while declaring the petitions non maintainable.
The SC has issued a written orders regarding the hearing held yesterday over holding of general elections and elections in two provincial assemblies.
The court orders said that the petitioner counsel talked of dialogue in the existing situation which is welcoming adding that the SC has given verdict regarding elections on April 4.
The order said that the petitioner has given an opinion to hold elections across the country on same day, however, the process of elections will be better with consensus opinion of the political parties.
The SC in its order categorically said that there is no other way out to end the SC verdict of holding elections. The SC as per the constitution has passed its judgment. the order reads.
The constitution says holding of elections after 90 days of dissolution of assemblies while clearing that political negotiations should not be conflicting to the constitutions. the order added.
The SC in its order said that the defence ministry has insisted the court to withdraw the verdict of April 4 adding that the insistence is not maintainable and no relief can be given on it.
The court can’t accept the defence ministry insistence while the top court also rejected the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) point of view and said that the ECP wanted to bring the court process to its start.
The ECP in its report insisted the court to restore earlier date of elections, October 8 owing to basis of the security reasons. The SC said that the purpose of the court orders is to implement prohibition mentioned in the constitution.
The court orders warned that a violation or disobedience to the court orders can result into grim consequences. The court in its order clearly ordered the federal government to release Rs 21 billion to the ECP till April 27.
SC today’s hearing written order issued
Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued order of today’s hearing of the various petitions regarding holding of elections Punjab and Khyberpakhtunkhwa and general elections across the country on the same day as well as not provision of funds for holding of elections in two provinces mentioned earlier.
During the break between the hearing the petitioner counsel Farooq H Nayik and Attorny general talked to judges in their chamber.
