The Supreme Court of Pakistan, on Wednesday, in a petition by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), issued notices to key figures, including the Inspector General Police (IGP) of Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, and other high-ranking officials.
The PTI’s petition sought contempt proceedings against the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not ensuring a fair playing field ahead of the anticipated polls.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justices Muhammad Ali Mazhar, and Justice Musarrat Hilali presided over the three-member bench that conducted the hearing.
The proceedings showcased transparency and were broadcast live on the Supreme Court’s website. This follows the Supreme Court’s directive from December 22nd to the ECP to address PTI’s concerns about ensuring equitable conditions for the 2024 general elections.
Before the hearing, PTI submitted additional evidence supporting claims of unfair treatment in the electoral process. They reported that 668 of their candidates’ nomination papers were rejected by ECP-appointed officers.
The petition, represented by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, appeals for the Supreme Court’s intervention to prevent the arrest and harassment of PTI candidates, workers, and supporters.
The plea emphasizes the need for a level playing field to conduct free and fair elections, naming multiple high-profile officials as respondents in the contempt of court petition.
