In a major development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to announce the date for elections in Punjab without delay.
In a landmark ruling on Friday, LHC Justice Jawad Hassan pronounced the verdict reserved earlier in the day, which had been eagerly awaited by the public.
Justice Hassan stated that the ECP is obligated to conduct the elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly and must issue the election schedule promptly.
“The ECP is directed to immediately announce the date of election of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab with the notification specifying reasons, after consultation with the governor of Punjab, being the constitutional head of the province, to ensure that the elections are held not later than ninety days as per the mandate of the Constitution,” reads the court verdict.
The PTI had on January 27 approached the LHC seeking orders for the Punjab governor to immediately announce a date for an election in the province since the assembly had been dissolved on Jan 12. The ECP had recommended the elections be held between April 9 and 17.
“Without any shadow of doubt, 90 days’ time is mandated in the Constitution for fixing/announcing the date of election of a provincial assembly after its dissolution in terms of Article 105 and timeframe provided under articles 112 and 224(2),” the order read.
The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape in Punjab, one of Pakistan's largest and most populous provinces. The decision is also likely to have an impact on the upcoming national elections, which are widely expected to be held later this year.
The ECP, which is responsible for overseeing elections in the country, has not yet commented on the LHC's ruling. However, it is expected to comply with the court's order and announce the election date in the coming days.
This ruling comes amid growing concern among the public about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in the country. The LHC's decision is being seen as a positive step towards ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
Meanwhile, PTI Vice President Fawad Chaudhry welcomed the “historic” decision, saying that it was a victory for the Constitution and the law. “The federal government should sit with us and discuss the national election,” he said.
PTI Senator Faisal Javed also celebrated the verdict, saying the people would make their decisions in the election.
Meanwhile, speaking private TV channel, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the government has nothing to do with when the elections should be held. “This is between the ECP and courts.”
However, he said that the government believed that if the general and provincial elections were held together later, they would be more free, fair and acceptable.
“The results will be accepted and there will be weight in those elections,” he said, adding that if the elections are held early, people who lose will resort to long marches and staging protests.
“If the election is held, we are ready for it. Be it April, October or together, we will contest it.”
Earlier in the day, the LHC had reserved its decision on a plea filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) seeking direction to the Punjab governor for immediately announcing the date of elections in the province.
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