A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Athar Minallah heard petitions on Monday seeking elections in 90 days. The petitioners, including the Supreme Court Bar, the PTI, and others, argued that the general elections in the country should be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly in accordance with the Constitution.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa asked the SCBA President Abid Zuberi about the plea in his petition. Zuberi started reading his petition, and the court questioned why it was not fixed for hearing earlier. The matter would have been decided by now if the petition had been fixed for hearing timely.
The court was pleaded for an order to ensure elections in 90 days and the cancellation of the Aug 07 notification regarding the approval of the digital census, 2023, by the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The counsel for the petitioner stated that the participation of the caretaker chief ministers of KP and Punjab in the CCI session was unconstitutional.
The bench questioned if the census had any link with elections and whether the elections could be delayed due to a new census and delimitations. The counsel for the petitioner argued that the elections could not be delayed on the grounds of a new census and delimitations.
The chief justice asked the lawyer if they wanted elections under the 2017 population census. The petitioner’s lawyer replied affirmatively, stating that the elections must be held within 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies. However, the court pointed out that this constitutional clause had already been violated and suggested filing a separate petition for the issue.
The bench emphasized the need to focus on the possibility of holding elections within a reasonable timeframe and to clearly define who has the authority to announce the election date. The court suggested issuing a notice to the Election Commission for further discussion.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court heard the petitions seeking election in 90 days and discussed various aspects related to the constitution, census, and election process. The court emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional mandates and resolving the issue promptly to ensure fair and timely elections.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard petitions on Monday seeking elections to be held within 90 days. The petitioners, including the Supreme Court Bar and the PTI, argued that elections should be held according to the Constitution. The court asked about the plea in the petition and questioned the delay in fixing the hearing. The petition also sought the cancellation of a notification regarding approval of the digital census in 2023. The court raised questions about the link between the census and elections, and the impact of declaring the census void on the upcoming elections. The court also discussed the role of caretaker chief ministers and the need to file a separate petition on the issue. The court emphasized the focus on holding elections within 90 days and questioned who is authorized to announce the election date. The case proceedings are ongoing.
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