SC reserves verdict in Punjab, KPK elections delay case after intense arguments

Islamabad: The Pakistan Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on a plea filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) decision to delay elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The court stated that the verdict would be announced tomorrow, but the time would be announced later.

The Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who headed the three-judge bench comprising Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, urged the government and PTI to find a solution through political dialogue for the sake of the Pakistani nation.

The government had sought the formation of a new bench to hear the case, but the verdict was issued despite it.

The Chief Justice stated that the Constitutional machinery exists if political dialogue fails to take place, and allegations are being made because everyone wants to fulfill political interests.

 He urged for patience and tolerance while acknowledging the pressure on the federal government. The lack of political dialogue in the country was also discussed, and if the federal government assures conducting elections, something can be considered. The ECP’s responsibility is Article 218, but it does not allow the violation of the Constitution.

The Chief Justice also asked if the election date could be issued without consultation with the president, and he said that the AGP did not raise such an important question while getting embroiled in the bench-related matters.

Ahead of today's hearing, the Attorney General for Pakistan filed a miscellaneous plea in the apex court for the reconstitution of the bench. The petition requested that the court dismiss the election delay case because of the majority order/judgment of March 1.

 The plea further stated that the bench might kindly recuse from hearing the instant petition, and a bench comprising all remaining Hon’ble Judges of this court, who did not hear SMC No. 1/2023, CPs No 1 and 2 of 2023, may be constituted to decide the questions raised herein.