Pakistan court orders to government to ensure general elections on Feb 8
When the Supreme Court is committed to a matter, influential groups find it extremely difficult to overturn the court’s decision.
The Lahore High Court’s ruling suspending the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) notification about the recruitment of DROs and ROs from the executive branch has been overturned by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa.
The hearing sent a strong and unambiguous message to all high courts, highlighting the Supreme Court’s unwavering determination to guarantee timely polls and its unwavering position that no one would be allowed to postpone them due to personal preferences or inclinations.
If the top court takes a stand on any issue, it becomes a formidable challenge for high courts to oppose or challenge its decisions.
During the tenure of former CJP Asif Saeed Khosa when the SC aimed to conclude the treason trial against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, no high court could intervene in the matter.
However, soon after the retirement of ex-CJP Khosa, the LHC declared the treason trial unconstitutional.
Currently, the SC, led by CJP Qazi Faez Isa, has made it clear that the elections must be held on Feb 8.
Election timetable released by ECP following SC intervention
Nevertheless, several petitions asking to delay the trial were filed in high courts. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) heard one such appeal last week. A PTI attorney then filed a second petition in the Lahore High Court.
The election process was momentarily stopped by an interim order granted by Judge Babqar Najfi. The question of why the LHC became involved in the case after the Supreme Court’s order has been raised by this.
Furthermore, a prominent PTI attorney said that he disagreed with the high court petition’s submission, which caused the election process to be postponed.
However, numerous applications requesting a trial postponement were submitted to higher courts. One such case was heard by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) last week. Subsequently, a PTI lawyer petitioned the Lahore High Court twice.
Judge Babqar Najfi issued an interim ruling that temporarily halted the electoral process. This raises the question of why the LHC got involved in the case following the Supreme Court’s ruling.
In addition, a well-known PTI lawyer expressed his disagreement with the submission of the high court case, which resulted in the postponement of the election process.
They must ensure there won’t be any delays in the elections if they hope to win back the support of lawyers and civic society.
On May 14, general elections were ordered by the court, but ex-CJP Umar Ata Bandial was unable to carry it out. Internal strife inside the Supreme Court was the impediment, not opposition from the establishment.
As opposed to this, CJP Isa is adamant that his legacy will be characterized by his dedication to guaranteeing that elections occur on the day designated by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
