Delay in Punjab, KPK polls: CJP observes two judges’ dissenting note not relevant to present case

Islamabad: Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial on Tuesday remarked that the previous Supreme Court verdict over the Punjab and KP elections was not relevant to the case of the petitions challenging ECP’s decision to postpone elections of Punjab and KPK till Oct 8.

The CJP made these remarks while heading a five-member bench that included Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail.

The Attorney General of Pakistan, Usman Awan, raised concerns over the PTI's petition as the dissenting notes of two Supreme Court judges were mentioned. He suggested that the election matter should be referred to the Lahore High Court after the issuance of the two judges' opinion.

However, the CJP clarified that the present case is a completely different matter, and the question in front of the court is whether the ECP can postpone the election date.

During the hearing, PPP lawyer Farooq H. Naek claimed that there was anarchy and fascism in the country today. Justice Ijazul Ahsan questioned whether the ECP has the right to change the election schedule announced by President Alvi, to which the CJP also concurred and asked if the ECP could change the election date given by the president.

The Attorney General also requested the court to constitute a full bench to preside over the case. In a surprising move, the CJP proposed a pay cut for himself and other judges for carrying out elections in the country as the government did not have enough funds to give to the ECP for polls. The Supreme Court adjourned the proceedings until the next day.

Prior to the hearing, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) filed pleas to become parties in the case.

CJP’s off for pay cut for judges for polls:

During a recent hearing, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) proposed a pay cut for himself and other judges to cover the expenses of holding elections in the country, as the government did not have sufficient funds to provide to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

The CJP noted that the country is facing economic difficulties and sacrifices need to be made to address the crisis. He suggested that a five percent salary reduction could fund the elections.

The CJP also highlighted the high number of operations conducted by security personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compared to other provinces. He emphasized that only an emergency situation could justify delaying the polls.

The court adjourned the proceedings until the following day.

Ahead of the hearing, several political parties including Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), filed pleas to become respondents in the case.