The Supreme Court earlier today ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to hold elections for mayor and deputy mayors in Sindh through secret ballot.
In a short verdict over a plea moved by Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Wasim Akhtar, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and comprising Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rehman ordered the electoral body to hold the elections within 60 days, rejecting the Sindh government and the Pakistan People’s Party applications that sought election through show of hands.
Mr Akhatar had prayed the court that the elections be held through secret ballot.
Farooq H.Nayak, counsel for Sindh government, on Thursday told the top court that horse trading would be discouraged by election of candidate with show of hands and it would not affect anyone’s right.
The Supreme Court reserved the verdict on Thursday and released a short order today (Friday).
