The Supreme Court has ordered the government to conduct general elections on February 8.
The announcement comes after President Arif Alvi and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reached a consensus on the date in a meeting at the President’s House.
During the hearing of multiple pleas urging the timely conduct of elections within 90 days after the dissolution of the assemblies, a three-member bench, including CJP Isa, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan, convened. The court’s decision reiterated the notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about the set election date and underlined that no opposition was received from any party.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa emphasized the importance of the Election Commission’s announcement of the election schedule after ensuring all prerequisites are met. He sternly warned the media against creating doubt about the elections, stating repercussions would follow if media outlets spread poll confusion.
Constitutional Boundaries and Directions
Addressing the courtroom, CJP Isa stressed that every institution, including the ECP and the president, must adhere to the Constitution. He highlighted the consequences of any deviation. The court clarified its role as a mediator, ensuring that constitutional bodies like the ECP and the president function within their defined jurisdictions.
The court order further delved into recent political happenings, emphasizing the gravity of constitutional adherence. This included referencing the ouster of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. The court pointed out that the decision to dissolve the National Assembly after the no-confidence motion was unconstitutional.
Expressing hope for the future, the court underscored that all constitutional entities should act judiciously. As the delimitation process nears its end, with the election program slated for announcement in December’s first week, the chief justice voiced the importance of informing the public about the election schedule.
In the hearing’s concluding phase, Chief Justice Isa stressed avoiding ambiguities in the election process and ensuring complete transparency. He emphasized the necessity of an unambiguous consultation process and ensured the court’s openness to inputs from the President’s House.
Lastly, following the court’s directives, general elections in Pakistan are set for February 8, 2024.
