Islamabad: In the election postponement case, the Supreme Court has given a reserved decision, according to which the Supreme Court has ordered elections to be held in Punjab on May 14, declaring the Election Commission’s decision of March 22 null and void.
The Supreme Court in its judgment stated that the Constitution does not allow the Election Commission to go beyond 90 days. The court has ordered to hold elections in Punjab on May 14. The decision of the Supreme Court has said that the Election Commission issued an illegal order on March 22. The court restored the Election Commission’s schedule for elections in Punjab on April 30 with amendments.
The Supreme Court ordered the government to provide funds by April 10 and said that the caretaker government of Punjab, Chief Secretary and IG should submit a complete plan for election security by April 10. The federal government has been ordered to release 21 billion. If the federal and caretaker governments do not support the Election Commission, the commission should inform the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court in its decision has given the election schedule, according to which the nomination papers will be submitted by April 10. The last date for filing appeals will be April 17 and appeals will be reviewed by April 18. The final list of candidates will be released on April 19. Election marks will be issued to the candidates on April 20.
The court order has said that on April 11, the Election Commission should submit the report on the receipt of funds to the court. The report of the Election Commission will be given in the Chamber of Bench Members. If the funds are not released, the court will issue an appropriate order in the light of the report. The Punjab government will fully cooperate in fulfilling the constitutional obligations.
In the first phase, funds were provided for the election in Punjab. Caretaker Government, IG, Chief Secretary Punjab ensure security provision. The federal government should provide all possible facilities for holding the election. Steps should be taken for additional security in Punjab. Fair and transparent conduct of elections should be ensured.
It has been said in the order of the Supreme Court that other issues were also raised in the court. 2 judges excused themselves from conducting court proceedings. Justice Qazi Faiz Isa’s decision has no bearing on our bench. The matter of election in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be seen separately. The detailed decision of the court will be issued later.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defense submitted a sealed report to the Supreme Court in connection with the election postponement case. The Attorney General and the officials of the Ministry of Defense submitted a sealed report on the availability of security personnel to the Chief Justice. Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar. Atta Bandial, Justice Muneeb Akhtar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan reviewed the report in the chamber.
The Supreme Court had reserved its decision in the election postponement case yesterday, which was pronounced today. The Chief Justice had remarked during the hearing yesterday that people want to be decided by judges of their choice.
Yesterday, the federal government submitted its response in the hearing of the election postponement case and requested to reject the petition of PTI.
Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan reached the Supreme Court on the occasion of the hearing today. Later, Special Assistants of Prime Minister Malik Ahmed Khan and Atta Tarar reached the Supreme Court. In connection with the hearing of the important case in the Supreme Court, tight security arrangements were made inside and outside. The security of Shahrah Dastur was entrusted to the Rangers and FC, while the Islamabad Police and FC personnel were assigned to the security of the Supreme Court.
As the hearing began today, the three members of the bench completed the routine hearings. Chief Justice, Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and Justice Muneeb Akhtar were in separate benches. The three judges reached their chambers after completing the routine hearings.
Later, the Ministry of Defense submitted a report regarding the availability of security personnel to the Chief Justice. After reviewing the report, the three judges wrote a decision regarding the election. Foolproof security arrangements were made inside and outside the Supreme Court on the occasion of the hearing of the important case. Police, Rangers and FC officials were deployed on the occasion while entry of non-related persons was prohibited. Civilians were allowed to enter after verification of documents related to their case.
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