PHC addresses PTI’s poll grievances

Verdict clarifies that interference in election process is not within purview of provincial government

PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has mandated district election officers (DEOs) to submit daily reports on political activities to the Election Commission, aiming to ensure the transparency of elections in the province.

The two-member bench, consisting of Justice Ijaz Anwar and SM Attiq Shah, issued these directives in response to a petition filed by Ali Amin Gandapur, the Provincial President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Gandapur alleged that PTI was unfairly restricted from holding rallies and corner meetings, citing contempt of court.

In the five-page judgment, the PHC emphasized that the responsibility for conducting free and fair elections lies with the Election Commission, the caretaker government, and district administration. The court affirmed that the ECP, by constitutional mandate, must take measures to ensure the fairness of elections, and the caretaker provincial government is obligated to assist the ECP in this regard.

Read PHC restrains verdict on PTI election

The verdict clarified that interference in the election process is not within the purview of the provincial government.

The court acknowledged PTI’s concerns about FIRs against its workers and the denial of a level playing field. The Chief Secretary conceded awareness of the situation and confirmed the development of special operation procedures (SOPs) in compliance with the court’s orders, assuring all political parties, including PTI, of a fair and equal footing.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2023.