ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday annulled the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) March 22 decision regarding the holding of election in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 08, ruling that polls cannot be delayed beyond 90 days.
In a unanimous decision of a three-member bench of the Apex Court headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar, the Court ruled that elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be conducted impartially and in accordance with the law.
The Court remarked that elections in Punjab will be held on May 14, and asked the Caretaker Government of Punjab, Chief Secretary and IG to submit a complete security plan regarding elections by April 10.
The Court ruled that the federal government should provide security of the army, rangers and other law enforcement agencies. It added that in case on non-compliance, the Apex Court must be approached.
In addition, the Apex Court also rejected the claim of the four-three decision.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has constituted a six-member bench to review the Judgement passed by Justice Qazi Faiz Isa regarding Suo Moto powers.
The bench includes Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha A. Malik, and Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi.
