SC expects parties to reach consensus on polls

Says political issues can best be addressed through dialogue

ISLAMABAD:

The apex court has said it expects the political parties to reach a consensus on holding general elections for all the legislatures on the same day in order to end the polarization in the polity.

"It is appreciable that the political leadership of the country made efforts to resolve the present political impasse. Political issues can best be addressed through dialogue and consensus,” said a written order issued on Monday by a three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

The bench was hearing a petition seeking to hold elections for all assemblies on one day.

“We, therefore, expect the political parties in the country to heal the polarisation in the polity and to arrive at a single date for holding general elections to all the constitutional assemblies," it added.

“Today to CMAs [civil miscellaneous appeals] have been referred [to] the court. CMA No 3078/2023 filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and an unnumbered CMA filed by the government coalition.

“Both contain the respective side’s brief summary of the talks that were held between the members of the government and the opposition [PTI] on April 27, April 28 and May 2, 2023.”

The order said the Khawaja Saad Rafique—who was representing the government—told the court the negotiations between the government and the PTI were productive and agreement had been reached on holding general elections for the National Assembly and four provincial assemblies on the same day.

“He further submitted that if the negotiations are allowed to continue, then consensus may be developed on a specific date for holding the general election.”

It said PTI’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi, however, expressed regret over lack of progress made during the negotiations and despaired any useful purpose being served by continuing talks with the government.

Talking to The Express Tribune, a senior government functionary said despite the SC’s desire, the federal government is unwilling to hold dialogue with the beleaguered PTI with regard to polls.