ISLAMABAD: The Supreme of Pakistan (SC) in its order issued on Thursday has declared new nomination papers prepared by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) valid, Dispatch News Desk (DND) reported.
The apex court, in its order, stated that the amendments carried out in the nomination paper are in accordance with the law and the constitution.
It also directed the commission to strictly implement article 218 of the constitution for holding free and fair elections. It further said that the whole nation wanted to elect their representatives which are not indulged in the corruption.
The SC’s order further said that voters have right that the representatives, whom they are going to elect, should present their details to election commission.
Earlier, a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, heard a case regarding electoral reforms here on Thursday.
During the course of hearing, the chief justice remarked that five bills were adopted in the National Assembly, adding that it could have also worked on electoral reforms.
The chief justice inquired that the incumbent government is going to complete its 5-year term, what steps have been taken so far for electoral reforms.
Attorney General Irfan Qadir said that he held meeting with law secretary last night. He told the court that Standing Committee of Senate is examining the amendment recommendations proposed by the ECP.
The chief justice said that the senate could not do legislation without National Assembly, on which counsel of ECP Munir Paracha said that then there is a need to bring ordinance for the amendments.
The CJ addressing Munir Paracha said that the elections is one of the most important issues at the moment, adding that the latter had told the court last day the government agreed to the amendment and there were differences in only one point.
Munir Paracha said that the government is agreeing to the amendments but its not initiating the legislation.
DND